Road safety advice for adult pedestrians

Years of experience obviously mean that adults are generally considerably safer on the roads than children.  But adults should still bear in mind that they need to minimise the risks facing all pedestrians.

Detailed guidance can be found in the highway code at www.highwaycode.gov.uk/01.htm

Make sure you follow the advice below to keep yourself safe.

• If you have a child with you, make sure that you set a good example - point out hazards and, if the child is young, hold their hand at all times.
• Always use Zebra, Pelican, Puffin or Toucan Crossings if possible, even if it means walking a little bit further.
• Always use traffic islands if possible, making sure that you stop on the island and look again for traffic before continuing to cross.
• Avoid crossing between parked cars, as drivers will be unable to see you.
• As you cross, make sure you keep looking both ways.
• If you wear glasses or a hearing aid, always use them when you’re out walking.
• Try to make sure you always wear or carry something white or bright, particularly on dull or misty days, so that you can be easily seen.  Fluorescent colours are best during the day, but won’t be seen in the dark, so at night you need something reflective.

Nationally, 4,894 adult pedestrians were killed or seriously injured in 2006, proving that the hazards on our roads are a danger for all ages.