Your mother always told you to look both ways. Good advice, but that’s just the beginning. Whether you’re hoofing it to work, going for a jog or just taking a leisurely stroll, there’s a lot you can do as a pedestrian to protect yourself. Always obey the rules of the road. Make sure others see you. And, most importantly, watch for cars, bikes and other vehicles – because they might not be watching for you.
Be Safe
Walking:
Always use sidewalks when available.
If there are no sidewalks, walk facing traffic and as far from the roadway as you can.
Obey all pedestrian traffic signals.
Running:
Runners are pedestrians: run against the flow of traffic, cross at crosswalks, obey traffic signals, and wear reflective gear.
Crossing the street:
Use crosswalks wherever possible. If you don’t see one – yield to traffic.
Cross in well-lit areas with the best view of traffic.
Don’t cross mid block or diagonally.
Make sure each lane of traffic is clear before you cross.
At a bus stop: cross behind the bus or in the crosswalk.
Pay attention to cars turning.
Be Visible
Make drivers see you: carry a flashlight, wear reflective gear, walk in well lit areas.
Stand clear of parked cars, buses, hedges, and other obstacles before crossing the street.
Watch for Me!
Pay attention and avoid distractions like cell phones and music players. You need the ability of your two key senses, seeing and hearing, to detect cars.
Watch for cars backing up in parking lots and driveways. Brake lights may mean that a car is about to back up.
Know your surroundings. On a blind curve or steep hill, walk along the outer curve to see oncoming traffic and be visible to drivers.
Look left, right, and left again. Look for cars in all directions.
On a sharp corner with limited visibility (blind curve) or a steep hill, it’s safer to walk along the outer curve rather than to say in the inner curve, even though this is opposite of the rule to face traffic when walking. In the inner corner, you won’t be able to see upcoming traffic and it won’t see you. Cross the road at a safe distance from the curve, walk along the outer curve, and cross back again at a safe distance. You should be extra careful during this segment, because drivers may not expect pedestrians on the right side of the road.
Don’t assume vehicles see you. In fact, it’s safer to assume they don’t!
(Adapted from Bike Walk CT’s “Give Respect, Get Respect.
Share the Road, Connecticut” www.bikewalkct.org)
Pedestrians have the right of way in marked and unmarked crosswalks, meaning cars must yield (slow or stop) for pedestrians, wherever they are in the crosswalk. A pedestrian is considered in the crosswalk once they step off of the curb.
State law requires pedestrians to use crosswalks when they are provided.
It is unlawful to cross a street outside of a crosswalk if the pedestrian is between two signalized intersections.
At crosswalks with pedestrian signals, state law requires that pedestrians obey the “Walk” and “Don’t Walk” indicators in the same way a driver must obey red or green lights.
If the pedestrian began crossing during the “Walk” signal, they have the right of way over all cars, including those turning right on red, until they complete the crossing.
When NOT at an intersection or marked crosswalk, pedestrians must yield the right of way to all vehicles.
State law requires pedestrians walking along the road to use sidewalks when available.
When sidewalks are not available, pedestrians are to walk to the far left edge of the road facing traffic. Walking in this direction gives pedestrians the best view of traffic.
Cars may not pass a vehicle stopped at a crosswalk if that car is stopped to let pedestrians cross.
When cars are crossing a sidewalk, they must yield to all pedestrians and other traffic on the sidewalk.
Pedestrians cannot dart/dash out in front of cars (giving them insufficient time to stop) or walk in the road under the influence. This protects drivers who are traveling at a reasonable speed and obeying laws from being at fault if a person’s actions prevent the driver from taking actions to avoid a crash.
Spring outings mean more time near busy streets. Winnie reminds kids to always cross with an adult or a responsible older sibling—especially during times of reduced daylight—and encourages drivers to stay alert and yield to pedestrians at every crosswalk.
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📵 April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month
According to NHTSA, more than 3,000 people were killed in 2023 in crashes involving distracted drivers.
It only takes a second for things to go wrong. Looking down to check a single text at 55 mph means you could travel the length of a football field without looking at the road.
And it’s not just texting—hands-free and infotainment systems can still take your attention away from driving.
🚗 Stay focused. Stay alert.
When you’re behind the wheel, your only job is to drive.
Let’s all do our part to keep the roads safe 💛
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www.wfsb.com/2026/03/24/pedestrian-safety-concerns-rise-hartford-connecticut-deaths-climb/ ... See MoreSee Less
Pedestrian safety concerns rise in Hartford as Connecticut deaths climb
www.wfsb.com
Seven pedestrians have died on Connecticut roads this year, which prompted renewed safety warnings as warmer weather brings more people outdoors.National Walking Day is a great reminder that every step matters—especially when it comes to safety. As an organization focused on pedestrian safety, we encourage families to use this moment to talk with children about safe walking habits, like using crosswalks, staying alert, and making eye contact with drivers. These simple conversations can help build lifelong habits that keep everyone safer on the road.
Learn more and explore family-friendly safety resources: ow.ly/xOk250YAM6G
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On National Take a Walk in the Park Day, encourage children to burn off energy in a safe, traffic free space away from busy roadways. Parks and walking paths offer a fun way for families to stay active while keeping kids safely separated from fast moving vehicles.
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Confused about Connecticut’s e-bike laws? Anna is here to break it down. In this video, she explains e-bike safety, the legal requirements in Connecticut, and simple best practices to help you ride responsibly and help keep everyone on our roads and sidewalks safe.
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🌷 Spring Is Here — Let’s Share the Road
Warmer weather means more people walking and biking. Here’s what to remember:
🚶 Pedestrians have the right of way in crosswalks when they are in them, stepping into them, or signaling they want to cross. And remember—every intersection is a crosswalk, painted or not.
🚲 In Connecticut, bicycles are treated as vehicles and may use the full lane. Honking or following too closely can create unsafe situations.
🚗 Passing a bicyclist? Leave at least three feet of space. Drivers may cross a double yellow line to pass if it is clear and safe. If it is not clear, wait to pass.
Let’s look out for one another this season.
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Winnie reminds families that wearing a helmet every time you ride helps protect young bicyclists and builds safe habits that last. Wally shows that safety starts with simple choices at home and in the neighborhood.
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🌷 Spring is here, Connecticut! With warmer days ahead, more people will be walking, biking, and enjoying the outdoors. Let’s all stay alert, watch for pedestrians, and make safety a part of every step.
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