Alerts : Pedestrian Safety

Pedestrian Safety

Many streets in and around the city and particularly in our medical center are congested and busy. We must all make pedestrian safety a priority. However, safety is a shared responsibility with both pedestrians and drivers playing equally critical roles.

Pedestrian responsibilities…

  • Keep alert at all times; don’t be distracted by electronic devices that take your eyes (and ears) off the road.
  • Never assume a driver sees you. Make eye contact with drivers before walking in front of vehicles.
  • Walk on the sidewalk.
  • Cross at the crosswalk.
  • Stop before crossing the street.
  • Obey all traffic signals and signs.
  • Look left, then right, then left before crossing the street.
  • Watch for turning vehicles.
  • Watch for vehicles exiting driveways and backing from parking spaces.

Driver responsibilities…

  • Look out for pedestrians everywhere, at all times.
  • Slow down and be prepared to stop when turning or otherwise entering a crosswalk.
  • Yield to pedestrians in crosswalks and stop well back from the crosswalk to give other vehicles an opportunity to see the crossing pedestrians so they can stop too.
  • Know that even when you have a green light, particularly when turning right, pedestrians may also have a walk signal at the same time. In this case, pedestrians have the right of way.
  • Never pass vehicles stopped at a crosswalk. There may be people crossing that you can’t see.
  • Follow the speed limit and posted signs.
  • Be extra cautious when backing up—pedestrians can move into your path.
  • Always use extra caution when driving in and around the medical center; the safety of your colleagues and our patients depends on you.

Alerts