Pedestrian Safety

Objectives:

1. Students will be able to properly do a "shoulder check"
2. Know where to cross the street
3. Proper use of sidewalks/lack of sidewalk
4. A pedestrian is a person who is walking

Shoulder Check

Look in all directions. They should be looking for any hazards such as cross traffic and turning traffic. Stop before crossing the street if you need to. Listen for approaching hazards such as engine sounds, skidding tires, etc. before crossing the street. Walk (don't run) straight across the street.

Use the Crosswalk

The crosswalk is the safest place to cross. If there is no crosswalk, cross at the corner. Never take a shortcut across the street.

By law, pedestrians have the right of way while they are in the crosswalk, but that is no guarantee that cars will stop. Extreme care should always be used when crossing the street.

Always use the sidewalk

Sidewalks are for people. You may walk in either direction. If there is no sidewalk, walk on the left, facing traffic.

Traffic lights are for people too

• Red Light: Must stop before entering the intersection and remain stopped until a green light is shown, and it is safe to proceed.
• Yellow Light: Warns the driver/pedestrian the light is about to change to red. STOP if not already in the intersection.
• Green Light: The driver/pedestrian may proceed when it is safe to do so. (Emphasize to the students to look in all directions before entering the intersection.)

Walk

Wait for the walk sign before crossing. Stop, look and listen and go if it is safe. If it changes while you are crossing, continue walking.

Don't Walk

NEVER cross when the don't walk is lit.

Keep thinking about where you are and what you are doing! Always remember that walking in the street or near a street can be very dangerous. People in cars don't always look for kids, so you have to be very careful when you are walking.