During the winter season, you might decide not to travel by car. Not all drivers feel safe driving when there’s snow or ice. You might instead choose to travel on foot and see the beauty of the season, especially if it has recently snowed.
However, there are a few safety tips that you want to keep in mind as a pedestrian so that you don't fall and injure yourself or get hit by a car.
Phones
If at all possible, don't use your smartphone when you're walking. It's okay to take pictures, but you want to stand still while taking them so that you can pay attention to your surroundings.
When you use a phone while walking, it could result in not paying attention to traffic or other people who are walking nearby.
Visibility
Try to wear clothing that makes you visible when you're outside. If you don't have bright clothing, you can use brightly coloured tape to add visibility stripes to your jacket sleeves or on the sides of your pants. You can always remove the tape after you reach your destination.
Shoes
The shoes that you wear should be supportive for winter walking. Even if you don't expect to walk on snow or ice, cold temperatures can sometimes make your feet hurt. Supportive shoes can often decrease this feeling, making it easier to walk longer distances.
Boots are ideal for walking through snow. Make sure your shoes have good tread on them if there could be any icy spots on sidewalks or city streets so that you don't slip and fall.
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Planning
Instead of waiting until later in the day to go for a walk, try to plan ahead so that you complete your errands in the middle of the day. Here are some tips for planning ahead if you're walking:
- Go out when it's sunny;
- Wait until most people are at work;
- Leave early so that you don't have to rush.
Travel Light
One way to monitor your balance to decrease your risk of falling is to lighten your load. Avoid carrying a lot of heavy bags. If you plan to go shopping, then consider taking a bus or car instead of walking. Watch where you step so that you don't trip, and if you happen to walk through the snow, tread lightly so that you don't get stuck in deep steps and lose your balance.
Jaywalking
Avoid jaywalking as this can be dangerous and could result in a citation or a ticket depending on where you live. Cross the street at traffic lights, paying close attention to drivers as some might make illegal movements while others might not always let pedestrians go first when they turn.
One way that you can decrease the risk of an accident is by making eye contact with drivers to ensure that they know you're there. Make sure they make contact back before you cross the road.
The Right Track
Walk on the right side of the sidewalk or the street. If you've ever walked in a hallway, then you've probably been told to walk on the right side. You have to drive on the right side of the road as well. The same thing goes for walking as this can keep you and others who are walking safe from being hit. Try to keep your head up as well instead of looking at the ground while you're walking.
If you happen to be hit while you're walking, then you should contact a pedestrian accident lawyer who can review the incident and determine if you can file a claim.
