Crosswalk safety tips

  • Published
  • By Steve Serrette
  • Safety Office
Pedestrians have the right-of way when crossing roads in designated crosswalks, but being right doesn't mean much if you are injured by a driver that doesn't see you.
   It is difficult for drivers to see pedestrians from a car in the dark, with lights glaring on the windshield, or in rainy or foggy weather conditions. For that matter, in the bright sunlight the problem doesn't become too much better.
   Compliance with posted speed limits in pedestrian crossing areas is mandatory and vehicles must yield to pedestrians in crosswalks.
   Use of designated crosswalks by pedestrians is also mandatory according to Oklahoma state law and will be enforced.
   The causes of most pedestrian related accidents are weather, inattention and carelessness. So remember these basic rules.
   · Cross at marked crosswalks.
   · Watch for obstacles, slick spots like ice, oil or water.
   · Wear light-colored outer garments when walking outdoors from dusk to dawn.
   · Don't hurry or run.