City Of Wauwatosa: Crosswalk Safety

Press release from the City of Wauwatosa:

03/09/2022 1:00 PM

Obeying all traffic laws keeps everyone safe - particularly during busy times with kids walking to and from school.

After a recent traffic incident involving a local crossing guard, we would like to remind pedestrians, bicyclists, and drivers to follow the rules of the road. Obeying all traffic laws keeps everyone safe - particularly during busy times with kids walking to and from school.

For pedestrians:

• obeying road signs and signals
• walking in well-lit areas and sidewalks
• walking in groups of two or more if possible
• facing traffic if no sidewalk is available
• crossing only when traffic has stopped
• looking all directions before crossing intersections
• watching for vehicles entering and exiting driveways and parking lots

It is also beneficial to strengthen your traffic safety knowledge and teach pedestrian safety habits for children, preteens, and teens. Reinforce that walking near traffic requires the same critical thinking skills as riding a bike or driving a car: look left, then right, then left again before crossing a crosswalk.

For drivers, safety tips include:

• actively looking for pedestrians, especially children
• using caution in difficult weather conditions
• obeying speed limits and rules of the road
• yielding appropriately at intersections and crosswalks with pedestrians
• respecting crossing guards and stopping when they are present
• avoiding the use of alcohol, drugs, and other substances that may impair judgment and abilities

When drivers maintain safe speeds and practice other safe driving behaviors, safer walking environments are created for everyone in the community. Our community must work together to ensure that our sidewalks, crosswalks, and roads remain safe.

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