When it comes to walking, older citizens are the most vulnerable to road accidents. Senior folks are not only more prone to walk, but their slower response times make it more difficult for them to respond to risky circumstances. They are also more likely to sustain significant harm if they come into touch with a vehicle, implying that pedestrian safety for elders is a community-wide concern. For more information, click here.
Senior pedestrians can take a few easy precautions to keep themselves safe and to be as cautious as possible when walking. Here are some simple things that senior walkers should undertake when out and about.
Make direct eye contact with drivers.
Always come to a complete stop before crossing. This simple action alerts cars that you are waiting to cross the street. Before stepping out onto the street, look left, then right, then left again to ensure that all automobiles have stopped to allow you safe passage.
If feasible, make eye contact with cars while waiting to cross the street. Look at the drivers when they slow or stop at the intersection and make sure they notice you before entering the traffic – especially at stop signs, only intersections.
Only cross at intersections.
Seniors are far more likely to be hit when crossing the street in the middle of the block. As a senior pedestrian, the safest method to protect oneself is to cross only at specified junctions, preferably with a traffic signal and crosswalk.
Stay on the sidewalk whenever feasible while waiting to cross. If the roadway does not have a sidewalk, stay close to the shoulder and always walk on the traffic side of the road.
Take your time.
Always give yourself plenty of time when running errands. Remember that safe walking entails being able to move slowly and carefully, so do not feel pressed to go rapidly.
You will need more time to stop and wait before crossing, to glance about carefully before going, and to move only when you are certain it is safe. If crossing a busy road takes longer than the signal permits, utilize elevated medians to divide the crossing into two sections, allowing you enough time to go safely.
When planning your trip, keep the weather in consideration as well. In the winter, ice and snow necessitate extra caution and may make navigation much more difficult. If it is raining, drivers may need extra time to respond, so drive slowly for safety.
Make sure you are visible.
Even in broad daylight, pedestrians might be difficult to notice. You could protect yourself by improving your visibility and capturing the attention of approaching automobiles.
