City Of Golden Valley: Golden Valley Police Department Urges Pedestrian Safety

Press release from the City of Golden Valley:

July 28, 2021

According to the Governors Highway Safety Association, pedestrian deaths in 2020 rose 21 percent from 2019. Lower your risks while walking, biking, and running by taking a few simple precautions.

Look and listen before you cross.

• Before crossing a street, clearly show your intentions to cross and make eye contact with drivers to ensure they see you and stop.
• Remove headphones and stay off cell phones while crossing.

Make yourself visible to drivers.

• Mount safety flags on a wheelchairs, motorized carts, or strollers.
• If you’re walking at night, assume drivers cannot see you. Wear bright-colored clothing and reflective material if possible.
• Stand clear of trees, bushes, or other obstacles before crossing.

Distance yourself from vehicles when possible.

• Always walk on the sidewalk. If there is no sidewalk, walk facing traffic.
• Cross streets at marked crosswalks or intersections; don’t cross mid-block.

Pedestrian Safety Is A Shared Responsibility

Drivers have just as much responsibility on the road, if not more. Always make good decisions when driving.

• Obey all traffic laws, especially posted speed limits in school zones.
• Watch for pedestrians at all times, and be extra cautious when backing up.
• Yield to pedestrians in crosswalks, making eye contact to indicate that you see them.
• Never pass vehicles stopped at crosswalks.

This press release was produced by the City of Golden Valley. The views expressed here are the author’s own.