Pedestrian safety is all of our responsibility. It’s important as a pedestrian to be seen, be aware, and be careful. Below are some tips to help you stay safe when crossing the street:
BE SEEN:
- Ensure you are visible to drivers
- Wear bright clothing and reflective materials when walking at night
- Stay in well-lit and populated areas
- Stand clear of obstructions (parked buses, cars, buildings) before crossing to ensure drivers see you
BE AWARE:
- Consider your surroundings, and always be sure before you cross
- Phones down, heads up
- Avoid wearing headphones
- Make eye contact with motorists before crossing the street
- Look both ways before crossing (left, right, left)
- Be aware of any vehicles turning before and while crossing
- Be aware of back up lights on cars in parking lots
BE CAREFUL:
- Take measures to protect yourself, and watch where you step
- Always use sidewalks when available, and if there are no sidewalks, walk facing traffic to see what’s coming towards you
- Don’t walk while intoxicated
- Obey traffic signals
- Cross streets where there are marked crosswalks
- Avoid cell phone use when crossing the street and walking in congested areas
For Drivers:
- At crosswalks, actively search for pedestrians by moving your eyes from sidewalk to sidewalk
- If you are able, make eye contact with pedestrians
- Make sure to check for pedestrians before and while turning
- Ann Arbor Traffic Ordinance: when traffic-control signals are not in place or are not in operation, the driver of a vehicle shall stop before entering a crosswalk and yield the right-of-way to any pedestrian stopped at the curb, curb line, or ramp leading to a crosswalk, and to every pedestrian within a crosswalk
Additional Safety Resources:
- Tips for Jogging and Walking from the U-M Division of Public Safety and Security
- Tips for Walking Safely from the City of Ann Arbor