The Tribune

By Sgt Nathalie Ranger

Be responsible while driving and walking. For your safety and the safety of others, you must follow these rules.

Never Drink and Drive

Alcohol causes a number of impairments that lead to car accidents. The consumption of alcohol while driving causes blurred vision and loss of consciousness. Drinking and driving is an offence and is punishable by law.

Always Wear A Seat Belt

Wearing a seatbelt can save your life and it reduces the risk of serious injury during an accident. There is a greater chance of surviving when wearing a seatbelt.

Avoid distractions while driving

Distracted driving is any activity that takes your eyes off the road, your hands off the wheel, or your mind off your primary task of driving safely

Pedestrian Safety

We all are pedestrians from time to time, so it is important to pay attention to what is going on around us. To stay safe walking, follow these rules.

Walk Facing Traffic When Walking on the Side of the Road

If there is no sidewalk and you must walk on the side of the road, choose the side where you are facing oncoming traffic. This gives you the best chance to see traffic approaching closest to you.

Cross Safely

Look both ways before crossing any street. Make eye contact with any drivers who may be turning. Give them a wave. Make sure they see you.

Walk Single File When Not Separated from the Road

Unless you are on a sidewalk separated from the road or you are in a wide pedestrian lane, you should walk in single file. This is especially important on a road with curves and where traffic has only a split second chance of seeing you before hitting you.

Be Visible

Wear bright colours when walking in daytime. When walking at night, wear light-coloured clothing and reflective clothing or a reflective vest to be visible. Drivers are often not expecting walkers to be out after dark, and you need to give them every chance to see you. Be just as cautious at dawn or twilight, as drivers still have limited visibility or may even have the setting or rising sun directly in their eyes.

Be Predictable

Make a practice of staying on one side of the path while walking rather than weaving randomly from side to side. Watch your arm motions, or you may end up giving a black eye to a silently passing walker, runner, or biker.

Keep the Volume Down

Don’t drown out your environment when listening to your headphones. Keep the volume at a level where you can still hear warnings from other walkers, bikers and runners.

Hang Up and Eyes Up

Chatting, texting, or playing games on a mobile device while you walk is as dangerous as doing those things while driving. You are distracted and not as aware of your environment. You are less likely to recognize traffic danger, passing joggers and bikers or tripping hazards. Potential criminals see you as a distracted easy target. Adopt habits that can keep your phone in your pocket, or at least stop in a safe place to complete your phone tasks before moving on.

Know When to Stop Walking

Heat sickness, dehydration, heart attack or stroke can strike walkers of any age. Learn the symptoms of medical emergencies and carry a cell phone to dial 919 or 911

Be Aware of Stranger Danger

Choose your walking route for paths frequented by other walkers, joggers, and bikers. If you see someone suspicious, be prepared to alter your course or go into a store or public building to avoid them. Acting alert and aware can convince bad guys to choose an easier target.