Pedestrian Safety
Follow the law and these safety guidelines to keep everyone safe.
MOTORISTS
Stop for crossing pedestrians
- Stop for crossing pedestrians at every intersection, even those without crosswalks or stop lights
- Before making a turn, look in all directions for pedestrians
- Leave lots of room between you and the pedestrian when stopping
Watch for pedestrians at all times
- Scan the road and sides of the road ahead for pedestrians
- Look carefully behind your vehicle before backing up, especially for small children
- Watch for people in wheelchairs and motorized carts, who may be below eye level
Avoid distracted and aggressive driving
- Put away the cell phones, food and make-up
- Stop for pedestrians, even when they are in the wrong or crossing mid-block
- Never pass or drive around a vehicle that is stopped for pedestrians
- Obey speed limits and come to a complete stop at STOP signs
Look before you cross
- Make eye contact with drivers and ensure they see you and will stop
- Clearly show your intentions to cross
- Watch for turning and passing vehicles
- Look across ALL lanes for moving vehicles before proceeding
- Stand clear of buses, hedges, parked cars or other obstacles before crossing
- Cross in a well-lit area at night
- Wear bright-colored clothing and reflective material
- Mount a safety flag on a wheelchair, motorized cart or stroller
- Cross streets at marked crosswalks or intersections; don�t cross-mid block
- Remove headphones and stay off cell phones while crossing
- Obey all traffic signals
- Don't solely rely on traffic signals; look for vehicles before crossing
- Always walk on the sidewalk; if there is no sidewalk, walk facing traffic
- If intoxicated, don't walk without assistance�a cab ride home may be a safer option
Additional Resources
The Crosswalk Law: Key Elements
Back-to-school Safety
Minnesota Traffic Facts
Who Gets Hurt?
Good Going! Adventures in Safety magazine
Share the Road (Mn/DOT)
Halloween Safety
