An official website of the United States government
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Pedestrian safety is a two-way street

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Divine Cox
  • 375th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. --  Each year, approximately 90,000 pedestrians are injured in the United States. Nearly half of all incidents are a result of a mistake made by a pedestrian.

With the weather now being warmer and much more inviting than the winter months, many people will be outside working and playing.

According to the U.S Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration, livable communities are a high priority of the FHA and the Obama Administration. The FHA website defines a livable community as one that provides safe and convenient transportation choices to all citizens, whether it's by walking, bicycling, transit or driving.

Both the motorist and the pedestrian should be well aware of their surrounding while out and about.

The following tips are issued by the FHA to keep Team Scott safe and compliant with local and federal laws.

Make yourself visible to drivers:
· Wear retro-reflective materials and bright or light-colored clothing. Clothing with retro-reflective materials (such as Air Force issued reflective belts) can make you visible from as far as 500 feet away.
· Carry a flashlight when walking at night.
· Be aware of the dangers of drinking and walking--walking while impaired increases your chance of being struck.
· Watch for cars reversing in parking lots and near on-street parking spaces.
· Cross streets at marked crosswalks or intersections if possible.
· Obey traffic signals such as walk/don't walk signals.
· Don't rely solely on pedestrian signals; look left, right, behind you and left again before crossing a street or stepping into traffic.
· Watch for turning vehicles; make sure the driver sees you and will stop.
· Look across all lanes you must cross and make sure each lane is clear before proceeding.

Safety tips for drivers:
· Scan the road and the sides of the road ahead for potential pedestrians.
· Before making a turn, look in all directions for pedestrians crossing.
· Don't drive distracted or after consuming alcohol or other drugs.
· On a military installation, the pedestrian has the right of way.
· Stop or yield to pedestrians at crosswalks, whether marked or unmarked.
· Stop or yield to pedestrians when making right or left turns at intersections.
· Do not block or park in crosswalks.
· Drive the speed limit and avoid aggressive maneuvers.
· Obey speed limits and come to a complete stop at stop signs.
· Always be prepared to stop for pedestrians, especially in residential areas and near schools.