VNS Health Pedestrian Safety Tips

July 3, 2025

Dear Colleagues,

VNS Health field staff and office employees regularly travel on foot for work, and personal activities. The National Highway Safety Administration notes pedestrians in urban areas are much more likely than those in rural areas to be injured or killed by motor vehicle accidents. Nationwide 7,314 individuals were killed while walking close to or near roadways, while over 68,000 people suffered injuries due to collisions with motor vehicles. 

[ https://www.nhtsa.gov/road-safety/pedestrian-safety ]

Walking Safety Tips

• Before you go, confirm the address of your destination, and review your route.
• Stay alert.  Pay attention.
• Do not stare at your phone.
• Do not wear headphones.
• If you need to take or make a call, find a safe, well-lit spot, stop, and hold your conversation.
• Follow the rules of the road and obey signs and signals.
• Walk on sidewalks whenever they are available.
• If there is no sidewalk, walk facing traffic and as far from traffic as possible.
• Cross streets at crosswalks or at intersections.
• Watch for defects like cracked or raised concrete and potholes.
• Avoid hazards like hanging wires, broken glass and marked and unmarked construction.
• Look for vehicles approaching from all directions.  Left, right and making turns from behind you.
• Watch out for riders on bikes, e-bikes, scooters, and skateboards.
• If a crosswalk or intersection is not available, find a well-lit area with the best view of traffic.
• Wait for a gap in traffic that allows enough time to cross safely
• Continue watching traffic as you cross.
• Make eye contact with drivers whenever possible.
• If unsure, you will have time to cross, wait. 
• Watch for cars entering or exiting driveways or backing up in parking lots.
• Avoid alcohol and drugs when walking; they impair your abilities and your judgment.
• Embrace walking as a healthy form of transportation – get up, get out and get moving.

Thanks, and be safe.