Walking is a great way to keep your body in shape and stay healthy; but whether it’s for a short trip or longer distance, you always need to be alert for your safety and that of others around you.
Walk Facing Traffic
If you do not have access to a sidewalk, it is better to walk facing the oncoming traffic than along with. This is because when you face oncoming traffic, you can easily see vehicles approaching closest to you and take evasive action if needed.
Safely Cross
It’s wise to look both ways before crossing the street. At controlled intersections, it is wise to obey the pedestrian crossing light by only stepping out onto the road when you have the green go-ahead. Make eye contact with any drivers who may be turning into the parking lot. Make sure they wave back at you.
Select Proper Clothing Color
Wear bright colors during the day. At night, wear light-colored clothing or a reflective vest to be visible to any drivers around who may not expect you to be out walking after dark. Drivers may not be expecting walkers to be up and about, so anything you can do to make yourself known as someone who are there by choice and who is on a mission will help avoid collisions – even at street crossings that have crossing signals.
Be Predictable
When walking in a crowded area, make sure to follow along one side of the path rather than randomly moving from one side to the other. Avoid reaching out too far as you might end up punching someone in the face by accident.
Volume Need To Be Down
Don’t drown out your ear buds or headphones with music too loudly. Keep the volume at a level where you can still hear bike bells, walkers and runners around you, as well as people shouting from afar. Your audiologist will also thank you.
Walk With Your Eyes Up
Distracted walking due to chatting, texting, or playing games on a mobile device while you walk is as dangerous as texting and driving. You are distracted and not as aware of your environment. You are less likely to recognize traffic danger, tripping hazards, or passing joggers and bikers. Potential criminals see you as an easy target.
Use Short Leases While Walking With Dogs
It’s terrifying seeing any dog run out into traffic or get into a fatal dog fight on a long leash, whether they be leashed or unleashed. As the owner of your dog when walking him or her on a long leash you should, however, use proper caution to ensure the safety of those who walk near you especially because even the nicest dogs can still be frightened on occasion and try to lunge at other animals.
Know when to call someone
Too many people are dying while walking. Heat exhaustion, dehydration, and a heart attack can all hit you. In that scenario use your cell phone to call a friend or a relative to pick you up.
Choose a known route
Living in the city can be quite dangerous. You have to take precautions to ensure you’re always safe while out in public. On your journey, choose a route that many others like yourself frequent so as to deter any potential perpetrators and remain on alert at all times, even avoiding brief eye contact with people you might find frightening.
