Walking

It’s easy to forget the dangers associated with walking, especially as you’ve been doing it for years and you haven’t hurt yourself yet.

However, it’s when you forget about the dangers that you are most at risk, as you no longer pay attention to the hazards around you, you become less alert and your attention is diverted to other things, like talking or texting on your mobile phone, listening to your music or messing around with your mates.

Being aware of the dangers around you will help you to stay safe so look out for:

Fast traffic – if you’re hit at 40mph there’s a 90 percent chance that you’ll be killed.
Parked cars – these make it harder for you to see what’s coming and also for drivers to spot you on the road. One of the parked cars may even be about to drive away and the driver may not see you.
No pavements – if there isn’t a pavement or footpath and you have to walk on the road then you must be completely alert at all times. Fast traffic can come from nowhere. Make sure that if you have to walk on the road you walk in single file on the right-hand side, facing oncoming traffic.
Dull, rainy or overcast days – it’s difficult for drivers to see you when it’s dull or overcast so make sure that you wear bright, reflective clothing so you can be easily seen.
Follow the Green Cross Code – you should have been taught this as a child but you might not remember it! Think, Stop, Look and listen, Wait, Look and Listen again and Arrive Alive. You might think this is for younger kids but think how often you break the code and cross while talking, texting or listening to music – the Green Cross Code is there for everyone.
Use a pedestrian crossing where there is one – but still pay attention to the hazards around you because some cars will break the law and drive straight through crossings.

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