Trust your instincts!
People make mistakes. Being aware when you travel will help keep you and others safe when mistakes happen. Whether you walk, bike, ride the bus or drive a car, one of the most important things you can do is to pay attention!
Here are some tips to stay focused and safe.
WHEN YOU WALK: ALWAYS LOOK
➤ Never follow people walking in front of you without looking first.
➤ Always look both ways, even if you have a walk signal, even on one-way streets.
➤ Make eye contact with drivers and bikers to make sure
they see you.
➤ Judge speed: knowing if a driver or cyclist is slowing down helps you know if it is safe to cross.
WHEN YOU BIKE: THINK AHEAD
➤ Expect people to forget to use turn signals, and prepare by slowing down or riding in the center of the lane instead of passing on the side.
➤ Drivers have blind spots. If you can’t see them, they can’t see you.
➤ Always know what vehicles and terrain are around you. Knowing how much space you have is important when you have to avoid something in the road.
➤ If you need to use the sidewalk, ride slowly and yield to pedestrians.
WHEN YOU DRIVE: NEVER ASSUME
➤ Never assume you can turn safely. Always look for people walking, biking and driving.
➤ Always look in your side AND rear mirrors before changing lanes or turning.
➤ Look ahead. Have awareness of what is happening two to three blocks ahead.
➤ Slow down. Speed makes mistakes more dangerous.
And finally, if something feels uncomfortable, trust your instincts!
