Walk this Way!

Remember all lessons you learned as a child about traffic safety?  Well, today's world keeps getting busier and faster.  Everyone is looking for ways to save on fuel costs, and protect our environment.  Walking is also great exercise!  But, with the days shorter and more travel in the dark, the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety recommends that you update some of the traffic-safety advice you use yourself, and that you share this advice with the children in your life.

Then: "Look both ways before you cross the street."

Now: "Left! Right! Left!"  No, none of us have to march down the street or march to school, but we all need to look back to the left a second time before crossing to check for cars appearing suddenly.

Then: "Cross on the green, not in between."

Now:  It's still good advice, if you "add to your learning and look for cars turning."  With "right turn on red," turn lanes, and other traffic changes, its' really important to always check for turning cars before entering an intersection.

 Then:  "Use the buddy system."

Now: "There's safety in numbers."  Drivers can spot groups of people (and especially children) more easily than one or two people walking alone.  Children in groups are also safer from those who might do them harm.

 Then: "Walk on the side of the road" and "stay to the right."

Now: "Walk as far away from the road as possible, facing traffic."  On roads without sidewalks, everyone should walk as far away from traffic as possible.  Always walk facing oncoming cars, so you can see what's coming at you.

 Then: "Ride down the road with the breeze blowing through your hair."

Now: "Ride down the road with your helmet on."  Whether they're on the road, on bike paths, or on sideways, adults and children both should always wear helmets - in many states, it's the law.  (Good advice for skaters, too.)  Remember, if you're on a bicycle, you should always be traveling in the same direction as traffic.

 Then: "If you can see the driver, the driver can see you."

Now: "Just because you can see the driver, don't assume the driver can see you."  Making eye contact with today's distracted, multitasking driver doesn't always mean that driver "sees" you.  So, assume drivers can't see you and use caution.