Safety

Walking safety

Common sense is the key to being safe when walking. Enjoy your walk and stay safe by following the safety recommendations below for pedestrians and drivers from the Canadian Safety Council.

Pedestrians should:

• Obey the rules of the road – cross at intersections or in pedestrian safety zones, and not in between parked cars
• Be vigilant at both intersection and non-intersection locations, especially in urban areas
• Make eye contact with drivers to ensure they see you before you cross
• Look up from phones and other electronic devices when crossing the street, and turn the volume down on headphones
• At traffic lights, cross at the beginning of a green light. Do not cross once the “Don’t Walk” signal begins to flash or once the light has turned to yellow
• Walk against traffic along roadsides without sidewalks or on rural roadways
• Wear bright or reflective clothing when walking, especially at night
• Never assume that motorists will yield, even if you have the right-of-way

Motorists should:

• Always be on the lookout for, and yield to vulnerable road users, even if they don’t have the right-of-way
• Always be aware of pedestrians, especially when turning
• Always obey traffic signals and control signs
• Pay particular attention to younger children playing on streets and to senior citizens crossing at intersections
• Pay particular attention to workers in temporary work zones
• Stay alert and slow down through residential streets and school zones