How to Avoid Pedestrian Accidents

I have shifted to New York and my office is at a walking distance. I am not comfortable with the traffic here, where pedestrian accidents are extremely common. How can I ensure my safety while walking the streets?

Here are some tips you can follow to avoid pedestrian accidents in New York:

·         While walking the streets, wear bright-colored clothing during the day and light-colored or reflective clothing at night.

·         Do not walk if you have consumed alcohol, because alcohol impairs a person’s decision making ability and physical reflexes, thereby increasing the risk of accidents.

·         Know the traffic signals, signs and rules in the areas where you are walking. You must also be aware of the vehicle rules to properly anticipate what motorists will do.

·         Do not wear a headphone, talk on the phone or look down at your phone while walking.

·         Consider walking on the sidewalks. If sidewalks are unavailable, walk on the far side of the road.

·         Use crosswalks to cross the street. If there are no crosswalks, always choose a well-lit spot and wait for a long gap in traffic to cross.

       ·         After the light turns red, wait for an extra moment to make sure that all vehicles have stopped.