Pedestrian Safety (Stop/Look/Listen)

The Bermuda Road Safety Council would like to highlight their topic for the month which is Pedestrian Safety. Pedestrian safety is a critical issue that effects every one of us, whether we walk, drive, bike or simply share the roads and sidewalks with those on foot. It’s a shared responsibility to ensure our streets and crosswalks are safe and accessible to everyone.

Pedestrian safety is not just a matter of obeying traffic laws; it’s about safeguarding lives, promoting healthy living, and creating inclusive communities. Here are some compelling reasons why pedestrian safety deserves the utmost attention:

1. ‍Save Lives: Pedestrian accidents can have devastating consequences. By prioritizing pedestrian safety, we can prevent injuries and save lives.‍
2. Healthy Lifestyles: Encouraging walking and active transportation promotes healthier lives for individuals and reduces our carbon footprint, contributing to a cleaner environment.
3. ‍Community Well-Being: Safe streets and walkable communities foster a sense of belonging and community well-being. People of all ages should feel safe and comfortable walking in their neighbourhoods.‍
4. Reduced Congestion: Promoting pedestrian-friendly infrastructure can reduce traffic congestion and improve overall transportation efficiency.

During Pedestrian Safety and beyond, let’s all do our part to make our community safer for pedestrians by:

1. ‍Obey Traffic Laws: Drivers, yield the right-of-way to pedestrians in crosswalks and at intersections. Pedestrians obey traffic signals and cross at designated crosswalks when available.‍
2. Stay Alert: Whether you’re walking or driving, always stay attentive to your surroundings. Avoid distractions, such as texting or using your phone.‍
3. Watch for Children: Be especially cautious in school zones and residential areas, where children may be walking to and from school or playing near the road.‍
4. Slow Down: Reduce your speed in areas with heavy pedestrian traffic. It gives you more time to react to unexpected situations.‍
5. Visibility Matters: Pedestrians should wear bright or reflective clothing when walking at night, and drivers should use headlights even during daylight hours when visibility is low.‍
6. Look Both Ways: Pedestrians, always look left and right before crossing the road, even at marked crosswalks. Drivers, check your blind spots before turning.‍
7. Share the Road: Bicyclists should follow the rules of the road and yield to pedestrians. Drivers should respect cyclists and provide safe passing distance.

During Pedestrian Safety Month, we encourage all members of our community to get involved in raising awareness about pedestrian safety. By working together, we can create a safer and more pedestrian-friendly community where everyone can move about freely and without fear. Let’s make Pedestrian Safety Month a catalyst for lasting change and a commitment to protecting the lives and well-being of our fellow community members.

Together we can save lives and build a safer future for all.

We encourage the motoring public to drive with care and caution, don’t drink and drive and slow down Bermuda.

Cautious Drivers = Safer Roads = Safer Bermuda