Hazards And Risks For Pedestrians

When taking a driver's education course, beginning drivers are drilled over and over again about the care that must be taken with pedestrians. This is also heavily emphasized to drivers in traffic school and defensive driving courses. Since drivers are behind the wheel of a machine weighing thousands of pounds and traveling at lethal speeds, it is essential that a driver always give a pedestrian the right of way in any situation.

The pedestrian will always lose in a conflict with a driver. However, pedestrians are at risk from more than just motor vehicles. There are other hazards and risks that can threaten the safety of a pedestrian.

Weather conditions are one major cause of hazards for pedestrians. In colder weather, snow and ice can cover sidewalks and create dangerous slippery situations. In cities and metropolitan areas, where there is a lot of concrete and pavement, this can be an especially dangerous hazard. To prevent slips and falls on stairways and pavement that can result in serious injury, many businesses can install non slip or non skid treads onto stairs. These can prevent against slips even in the best of weather. For dark stairwells there are even treads that can be installed that glow in the dark.

Bicycles create another hazard for pedestrians. Although bicycles should be operated on the side of the road and not the sidewalk, sometimes bicyclists ignore these rules and endanger pedestrians by riding on sidewalks and walkways. This can be especially dangerous near sharp corners where visibility is limited. However, some courteous bicyclists install bells or chimes onto the handlebars of their bicycle in order to alert pedestrians to their approach. Though this can help, it is best if bicyclists obey the rules and ride on the side of the street.

Like bicyclists, joggers can also pose potential risks to pedestrians. However, unlike bicyclists, most cities have no rules regulating joggers. Therefore, it us up to the jogger to be courteous to pedestrians and slow down near corners where poor visibility may cause a collision.

Construction areas may pose another risk for pedestrians. Areas under construction may have obstructions that force the pedestrian out into the street into oncoming traffic. Or these areas may have a potential for falling objects that could fall and strike a person below. Pedestrians should pay special attention to the signs and warnings in construction areas.

Despite the risks, most of these hazards can be avoided and everyone can remain safe if pedestrians, drivers, bicyclists, and joggers alike are alert and make smart choices when traveling.