Sharing the road does not just mean among the vehicles on the road. The Missouri Department of Transportation says it means sharing with those driving a vehicle, walking or biking. It also means keep your head up and be alert.
Preliminary data from 2020 indicates 128 pedestrians were killed and 316 others were seriously injured in Missouri traffic crashes. Top contributing factors for pedestrians involved in these crashes were failure to yield, alcohol or drug impairment, and distraction/inattention.
MoDOT recommends keeping the following pedestrian safety tips in mind anytime you walk near a roadway:
- Drivers and pedestrians need to make eye contact with each other. Don’t assume the other one has seen you.
- If your vehicle is stranded, remain in the vehicle with your seat belt on. If you must exit a stalled vehicle alongside the roadway, do so on the opposite side of traffic and do not attempt to walk across the oncoming traffic.
- Only cross at an intersection or crosswalk.
- Look left, right and then left again before crossing an intersection or crosswalk. Always double-check the lane that you’ll be entering first.
- Be aware of drivers even when you are in a designated crosswalk.
- Avoid walking while wearing headphones. You need to hear the traffic.
- Always wear brightly colored clothing for visibility.
- Always walk against the flow of traffic.
- Always be cautious when exiting parking lots and be on the lookout for pedestrians.
- Always put your cellphone down and don’t look at it when driving or walking. Stay alert to all the challenges of the road.
