| As we promote the message of
pedestrian safety, here are a few tips for
drivers and pedestrians: |
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For Drivers
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Come to a full stop. The “California stop” is both unsafe and illegal. Be sure to stop completely at signals and stop signs before entering a crosswalk or intersection.
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Do not pass a vehicle stopped at a crosswalk. A pedestrian hidden from you view may be crossing. Pedestrians have the right of way at corners, whether or not the crosswalks are painted on the ground.
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Use caution near schools and where children play. Speed zones are reduced in residential areas and around schools. Remember, young children don’t always remember safe crossing rules. Look out for them.
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Wait for the pedestrian to reach the other side before moving. You may save a life by alerting other drivers to the presence of a pedestrian who might otherwise have gone unnoticed until it was too late.
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Yield the right-of-way to pedestrians.
Safe crossing is a two-way street. It is the pedestrian’s right but that right is far from absolute.
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You must always stop for any person using a guide dog or a white, with or without a red tip. It’s the law!!
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For Pedestrians
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Allow vehicles enough time to stop. Don’t assert the right of way with a fast moving vehicle…you could lose.
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Make eye contact with
drivers. But don’t assume they will yield.
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Cross at intersections. Crossing mid-block is unsafe; never cross from between two parked cars…driver’s can’t see you and aren’t expecting you. When crossing at a signal controlled intersection, cross only on a green or when the “walk” sign is activated; the walk sign may change but the light is timed to give you enough time to continue on safely before opposing traffic approaches.
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Stop, look and listen before crossing. Just like when you were young, look right and left and over your shoulder before crossing. Look for cars and bicycles…bicycles are required to obey the rules just like cars.
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Always cross in a straight line…the shortest distance between two points.
Use extra care when crossing with children. Remember drivers may not see a little one…hold their hand while crossing.
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Use the same rules of caution in a parking lot. Parking lots can be just as dangerous as the street.
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Be a defensive walker. Watch where you are going. Expect the unexpected. Don’t let cars surprise you…even if the motorist is wrong. You could be dead right.
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