Marquette General Level II Trauma Center

 

Safety tips -Winter Walking

 

Safe Walking Tips with Winter Considerations - Winter Walking Tips
- Cross only at corners or marked crosswalks.
- Stop at the curb, or the edge of the road.
- Look left, then right, then left again, before you step into the street.
- Always walk on the sidewalk. If there is no sidewalk and you have to walk in the road, always walk FACING TRAFFIC.
- Dress to be seen. Brightly colored clothing makes it easier for drivers to see you both in daylight and darkness. Wear reflective material on your shoes, cap or jacket to increase visibility at night.
- Remember hats make it harder to hear and hoods make it harder to see. Be even more alert for passing vehicles when walking.
- Walk slower and bend more at the knees to keep your balance on slippery sidewalks. This helps prevent falling if you slip.
- Remember not all drivers keep their windows clear of snow, ice and fog. Don’t rely on them to see you.
- When crossing the street, give extra time for approaching vehicles. They can’t stop or steer as suddenly on slippery roads.
- Snowplows are dangerous. Stay away from the side of the roadway, especially in the presence of an approaching snowplow. The driver may not see you.
   
Tips for Crossing the Street.
- Cross only at corners or marked crosswalks.
- Stop at the curb, or the edge of the road.
- Stop and look left, then right, then left again, before you step into the street.
- If you see a car, wait until it goes by. Then look left, right and left again until no cars are coming.
- If a car is parked where you are crossing, make sure there is no driver in the car. Also make sure it is not running: look for exhaust, noise, headlights, taillights, backup lights. Then go to the edge of the car and look left-right-left until no cars are coming. Keep looking for cars while you are crossing, and remember, walk, don’t run.
   
Additional Winter Walking Considerations
- Avoid playing on snow banks adjacent to a street/hard sidewalk