We all know about the Highways code for keeping safe whilst driving, but did you know that it had a large section written to help keep pedestrians safe!
Not every safety tip is in there, so here are our top tips from Claire Sutton, one of our RTA Team Leaders.
Be Seen
Rush hours are the most dangerous times of the day for pedestrians, there are an increasing number of vehicles on the roads, if walking or jogging, make sure you walk against the traffic and remember to wear reflective/high vis clothing, or reflective accessories (bags, waist coats, armbands, sashes etc.).
Autumn and winter light hampers visibility during the day too, so where possible where brightly coloured clothes, or again, reflective accessories.
Clothing
Walking in the snow in the crisp winter air when you are all wrapped up is a great feeling, but to keep you safe by the roads:
- Wear a good pair of winter boots
- Ice grippers are everywhere in winter and a cheap addition to shoes and boots to stop you from slipping
- Be seen in your bright clothing
- Hats and scarfs are a must in winter to keep you warm, but remember that if they cover your ears they can muffle the sounds of oncoming traffic.
Care when crossing roads
Remember your Green Cross Code, before crossing – look left, right, then left again, keep looking and listening whilst you cross the road.
Cross the street at marked crossing only, and avoid walking out from between parked cars.
Follow all traffic signs and signals.
Before you step off the curb, make sure any oncoming vehicles have come to a complete stop.
Remember in autumn, fallen leaves on wet ground are a huge slip hazard!
When walking on the road
If you have to walk in the street, face traffic and stay as close to the curb as possible, and remember to walk in single file.
Be careful of those slips, trips and falls. In the UK in 2012/13 there were 7,031 admissions to hospital as a result of people falling over on snow or ice.
