Pedestrian
Safety - Simple Safety Tips - Especially
for Children
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PEDESTRIAN
SAFETY
Phoenix is recognized
as one of the most dangerous cities in the United States for pedestrians. Every
year the Phoenix Fire Department responds to hundreds of emergencies involving
pedestrians - both adults and children. Every year, there are over 700 car/pedestrian
collisions - almost two a day! Twice as many boys are injured as girls. Most
crashes involving children happen between 3pm and 6pm.
SIMPLE
SAFETY TIPS:
Pedestrian injuries
and deaths can be prevented by following some simple tips:
- Cross streets
at crosswalks, signals or corners.
- Always remember
to stop a safe distance away from the curb, then look and listen for traffic.
- Remember to
STOP - look left, look right, then left again before starting to cross.
- If a parked
car is blocking your view, stop to the front of the car, look left, look right,
then left again before starting to cross.
- Obey all traffic
signs and signals.
- Push "Pedestrian
Walk" button for the "WALK" signal. It will give you more time
to cross the street.
- If there is
no traffic signal, wait for a break in traffic before starting to cross.
- Make eye contact
with drivers before crossing - be sure the drivers see you.
- When walking
at night, make sure you can be seen. Wear reflective, bright or light colored
clothing.
- Do not use alcohol
or any other drugs when moving in or around traffic in any way - even walking.
- Always walk
on the sidewalk. When there are no sidewalks, walk on the left-hand side of
the street. The traffic will be coming toward you, so drivers will be able
to see you.
- Teach children
to cross in front of a bus: children should stay away from the side or back
of the bus where the driver cannot see them.
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ESPECIALLY
FOR CHILDREN
- Cross only with
a parent or crossing guard at major streets and intersections.
- Always listen
to and obey all crossing guard directions.
- Stand in the
"Safety Zone" (the Safety Zone is 2 giant steps back from the curb)
until the crossing guard signals it is safe to cross the street.
- Walk carefully.
No running or horseplay while crossing the street.
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