Whether you’re power walking or just on a leisurely stroll, keep safety in mind every step of the way.
937
crashes involved a pedestrian last year in Kentucky
77%
of pedestrian deaths occurred after dark last year in Kentucky
Whether you’re traveling by car, bike or foot, do your part to make Kentucky’s roads safe for everyone. Get there safe, Kentucky!
Drive Safe Tips:
- Put the phone down and pay attention. Driving while distracted increases risk for all road users.
- Yield the right-of-way to pedestrians. Be especially careful at intersections when turning onto another street.
- Keep your windshield, windows and mirrors clean so you can scan the road ahead and establish a “visual lead.”
- Obey the speed limit. Driving at the posted limit allows you to see, identify and react in time to brake for pedestrians.
- Slow down and turn on your headlights during evening hours when you need more time to see a pedestrian in your path.
- Be aware in neighborhoods and school zones. Children are often the smallest pedestrians, making them harder to see. Additionally, younger children may dart into intersections without understanding the dangers.
- Drive sober. As with pedestrians, alcohol and drugs affect judgment, balance and reaction time. Always make a plan for a safe ride home.
- Buckle up. Wearing a seat belt gives you the best protection against injury and death.
Safe Walking Tips
- Use crosswalks when available. Avoid jaywalking and crossing between parked vehicles.
- Walk on sidewalks whenever possible. If you must walk on the street, walk facing traffic.
- Don’t depend on the traffic signal to protect you. Motorists may be distracted, especially when adjusting to the nighttime travel environment.
- Increase visibility, especially at night. Carry a flashlight, wear reflective clothing or attach reflective materials – such as fluorescent tape – to clothing, backpacks, purses and briefcases. These materials reflect light from headlights back to drivers, making it easier to see you.
- Just because you can see a motorist does not mean the motorist can see you. If you cannot make eye contact or do not see the driver slow down for you, wait until the vehicle passes, even if you have the right of way.
- Put the phone down and pay attention. Distraction changes the way you walk, react and behave, including safety-related behaviors.
- Use caution if intoxicated. While you may be doing the right thing by not drinking and driving, risk still exists. Alcohol and drugs affect judgment, balance and reaction time, so always make a plan for a safe ride home.