How to Navigate City Streets Safely as a Pedestrian
Photo: Kaique Rocha
City streets are full of pedestrians, crossing the street left and right — both legally and illegally. But the city streets are also full of cars, swerving and honking and in a rush to get where they need to be. Navigating downtown areas can quickly become dangerous for pedestrians. Here are a few tips to help you navigate the city streets safely on foot.
Don’t jaywalk
It may be incredibly tempting to just hurry across the street instead of walking all the way to the end of the block to the crosswalk. But jaywalking in a busy city is one of the quickest ways to get hit by a car. It’s worth the extra few yards to walk to the end of the street and wait for the signal to cross.
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Don’t walk in the street
There are sidewalks for a reason. Not only will you frustrate other drivers if you’re walking on the other side of the curb, but you’re putting yourself in a lot of danger as angry commuters try and force their way around you. If there’s a sidewalk, use it.
Stay off your phone
Our culture is so technology-driven that many of us are glued to our phones as we walk. This is unsafe in more ways than one. Not only could you accidentally step out in front of a vehicle or trip on the sidewalk, but it leaves you vulnerable for pick-pocketing and other crimes.
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Wear reflective clothing at night
Cities don’t usually sleep, so pedestrians are popping around from place to place even after the sun goes down. If you’re one of those pedestrians, make sure you’re wearing light clothing or a reflective jacket. If you’re in dark clothing, turn on the flashlight on your smartphone so drivers can see you a little bit easier.
Source: Department of Public and Environmental Safety
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