To make your walks and runs both fun and safe, keep these tips in mind:

Walk1

Distracted walking tips courtesy of the “Speed and Pedestrian Safety Management on North Virginia and
Sierra Streets” project by The Davidson Academy of Nevada and UNR Police Services.

  • Wear closed toe, comfortable shoes that will not slip.
  • Wear visible clothing – Light or bright colors, reflective material, and flashing lights are all recommended.
  • If you have a choice about where you walk, choose a route with sidewalks or a shoulder to give yourself space away from traffic.
  • If there are no sidewalks, walk facing traffic.
  • Important things to carry with you include water, a driver’s license or ID, and a cell phone.
  • Always look for cars before crossing a street or stepping off of a curb.
  • Use crosswalks and follow traffic signals when crossing at street lights.
  • Be predictable.
  • Before stepping in front of a car make eye contact with the driver. Make sure they see you, plan on stopping, and have time to stop.
  • You might have the right-of-way, but walk like drivers do not know the rules.

Seasonal l Tips:

  • Check the weather and be prepared for the elements.
  • In winter, dress in layers, wear shoes that won’t slip, and walk with your hands out of your pockets for better balance.
  • In warm weather, drink water before and during your walk, take breaks as needed, and know the signs of heat sickness.

Additional Tips for Walking after Dark:

  • Before heading out, tell someone where you will be and your planned route.
  • Stay clear of parked cars and bushes along the road, so that you are as visible as possible to drivers.
  • Avoid poorly lit areas and streets.
  • Be alert and aware of your surroundings.

Rules of Walking

Knowing the law can help you stay safe as a pedestrian. Below is additional information and facts to help keep you safe.

Be aware. Cross with care.
Make eye contact with drivers turning right before you step into a crosswalk. Make sure they see you, plan on stopping, and have time to stop. Also, don’t assume that because the car in the lane closest to you has stopped that other cars will stop too.

Don’t be dead right.
Pedestrians do have the right of way at marked and unmarked crosswalks; but be careful, some drivers might not know that rule or always follow it. Being right won’t keep you from being hit.

The fine print.
Pedestrians only have the right of way when drivers can reasonably stop. Drivers can’t read your mind. At 20 mph, the total stopping distance needed is 69 feet; at 30 mph it’s 123 feet and at 40 pm it’s 189 feet. Slippery roads and other factors can increase the distances needed to stop. At night, without additional street lighting, drivers may be only able to see as far as their headlights — 160 feet. Wear light or bright colors, reflective material and flashing lights to increase your visibility.

They’re there for a reason.
Always use sidewalks when they are available. If not, walk on the left side of the street facing traffic.

Obey traffic control devices.

  • Red Light, Steady Hand, or “Don’t Walk” – do not enter the intersection.
  • Yellow Light, Flashing Hand or “Don’t Walk” – do not enter, but people already in the intersection may finish crossing.
  • Green Light, Walking Person or “Walk” – enter when it is safe. Look left, right,
  • and left again. Keep looking.

Distracted walking can be deadly.

  • UNPLUG headphones when crossing the street.
  • HANG UP your cell phone until you are out of the intersection.
  • TEXTING CAN WAIT until you know you are safe.
  • LOOK UP! Make eye contact with the approaching driver and make sure the
  • driver sees you!