You will likely cross the street several times a day when traveling to the places you need to go. It may be a normal part of your day, but crossing the street can also be very dangerous due to the fast-moving cars. Fortunately, you can stay safe when you are on the street, whether you are walking, cycling, motorcycle or car.
Steps
Method 1 of 4: Choosing the Best Crossing Spot
Step 1. Use a crosswalk if you are a pedestrian if one is available
Look for a crosswalk at an intersection or the entrance to a place with high foot traffic. Many times, crosswalks are painted along the street to indicate where pedestrians should walk. You may also see a crosswalk system that is installed on poles near the crossing. This tells you when you have a "green light" or not.
- In some cases, crosswalks use several rectangular blocks of paint to indicate where to walk, while others use two parallel lines to indicate the crossing area.
- You will usually find crosswalks at an intersection with another street. However, sometimes you could find them in the center of a block if you find yourself in an area with high foot traffic.
Step 2. Follow the instructions on the crosswalk system if there is one
Look for an electronic sign on the other side of the street that shows a picture of a green or red pedestrian. In case you see it, there will be a pedestrian crossing system at that crossing. Press the button on your side of the street to activate the system if there is one and then wait for the pedestrian image to turn green before crossing.
A crosswalk system will help keep you safe, but it will not guarantee that drivers are obeying the law. Check for cars crossing before taking a step onto the street, just to be safe
Step 3. Cross at a corner and follow traffic signals in case there is no crosswalk
In some cases, the streets do not have crosswalks, especially if they are in a rural area or neighborhood. If this is the case, you should always walk to the corner of the street to cross. Look for traffic lights or stop signs at the intersection and cross when the light in the direction you are going is green or while cars have stopped at a stop sign.
- If there is a traffic light, follow cars going in the same direction as you. Stop at red or amber lights and move forward when the light is green. However, you should be aware that there may be some cars that turn on the red light and therefore you should be careful anyway.
- If there is a stop sign at the intersection, wait for the cars there to stop, if they are. Walk when it is your turn as long as you have made eye contact with drivers waiting to advance.
Step 4. Make sure you can see both directions clearly before trying to cross
There could be parked cars, large bushes, and other objects blocking your view. However, it is important to have clear visibility in both directions. In case your view is blocked, move to another place where you can see better.
- In case there are stopped cars, there is no problem with approaching the edge of the cars if you know that they are not moving. However, you should never step on the street until you know for sure that no car is coming.
- Keep in mind that cars can't see you if you can't see them.
Method 2 of 4: Look Both Sides
Step 1. Stop at the edge of the street so you can check for cars
When you reach the crosswalk or corner, walk to the edge of the street and stop. In this way, you will get the best visibility of the road and make sure to cross at the shortest possible distance. Wait until it is safe to cross.
- Stand on the curb or just outside the entrance to the crosswalk.
- Avoid standing so close that a car could hit you lightly. Anyway, you must be off the road while you wait to cross.
Step 2. Look left, right, and then left again before crossing the street
Cars move very quickly and, therefore, you should check that there is no one in the street before crossing. Look to the left first, as traffic will be closer to you on that side. Then look to the right to see if any vehicles are coming. Finally, look to the left again just before crossing to make sure the street is clear.
If you think you can see someone coming, stop and wait to determine if it is something to worry about. The best thing is to take your time and be safe
Tip:
listen for oncoming vehicles and stop if you hear any sounds that are similar to a motor or a siren. A speeding car or motorcycle may be approaching you fast, so be careful.
Step 3. Look around you when crossing the street so that you can spot oncoming cars
Be sure to check for cars after looking left and right, as cars and motorcycles could approach quickly. Monitor your surroundings when crossing so that you can stop and go off the road in the event of an approaching vehicle.
For example, look to the right again at the center of the street in case a car is approaching
Step 4. Make eye contact with drivers when crossing a busy street
On a busy street, you may have to cross as cars wait to go. Drivers are supposed to stop for you, but they may not see you. Be aware that drivers may be distracted or have poor visibility. Wait to make eye contact with the driver before crossing so you know they saw you.
- You could also wave at him or nod in his direction so you know he sees you. Wait for him to say hello or nod in response.
- In some cases, drivers may refuse to yield. This is not fair, but it is more important that you are safe than that you are correct. You should not try to cross the street in case someone is driving dangerously.
Method 3 of 4: Staying Safe
Step 1. Cross quickly so that you are not in the street for long
It is not safe to be on the street, especially when there is a lot of traffic. Running is never safe, but you should move at a fast pace and not stop until you reach the other side of the street. In this way, you minimize your risk of being hit by a vehicle.
While you may be tempted to run, especially if the cars drive aggressively, it is much more dangerous for you to run because you could fall. It will be very difficult for cars to see you if you are on the ground
Step 2. Don't use your cell phone to give your full attention to the street
Looking at your phone screen or chatting with someone can distract you and make it difficult to cross the street safely. Put your phone away before crossing the street and avoid checking it again until you are on the other side.
You may be using your phone's GPS or listening to music. Even so, you should stop using your phone until you are safely across the street
Step 3. Ask an adult to cross the street with you if you are a child
There are times when it is safe to cross the street on your own, but it is best to cross with an adult in case it is a busy street. It is not easy for drivers to see you when you are young, and it may be difficult to determine when it is safe. Ask a trusted adult to help you cross so that you are not in danger.
For example, a parent, guardian, crossing guard, neighbor, or teacher might help you cross. Even an older sibling could be a good crossing partner in case he's old enough
Step 4. Wear brightly colored clothing so that people can see you at night
You probably know that it's harder to see in the dark. When wearing dark clothing, it is extremely difficult for drivers to see you. Instead, choose bright colors (for example, white, yellow, hot pink or pastel colors) so that you are highly visible when crossing a street.
Tip:
If you usually walk at night, get a reflective vest or attach reflective strips to a t-shirt or jacket so drivers can see you even better. You can buy a reflective vest or reflective strips at a sporting goods store, DIY store, or online.
Step 5. Bring a flashlight for better visibility
It will be difficult to see you in the dark, even in brightly colored clothing. Also, you may find it difficult to see what is around you. Carry a flashlight with you when walking in the dark so that you can light your way. Drivers will also be able to see your light and this will help them see you better.
If you are in a hurry, you can use your phone's flashlight. However, avoid looking at your phone or playing with it while walking, as this puts you in danger
Method 4 of 4: Get around by car, motorcycle or bicycle
Step 1. Obey traffic lights and traffic signals when at an intersection
It is mandatory that cars, motorcycles and bicycles obey the same traffic laws. Stop if you see a red light or stop sign when approaching an intersection. Also, give way to vehicles going in the opposite direction if you come across a sign to give way. Only move when the traffic light is green.
- Look in both directions before proceeding to check that other vehicles are obeying traffic signals. Keep in mind that some cars may choose to cross with a red light as it changes. Play it safe, even if it's your turn to move on.
- In general, all drivers stop at four-way intersections. The first person to reach the four-way intersection has the right of way. In case the drivers arrive there at the same time, the driver on the right will proceed first.
- In the event of a two-way intersection, the driver at a stop sign should wait for all traffic to clear before crossing.
Step 2. Stay in the bike lane if there is one when cycling
There are some streets that have bike lanes as a way to help bicyclists get around the city safely. You should always use these lanes when riding a bike, including when crossing a street. In this way, you can move around in the safest way possible.
Cars and motorcycles will be more aware of you when you are in the bike lane
Step 3. Look for pedestrians before crossing a street and yield if you see them
All vehicles, including bicycles, are required to yield to pedestrians at a crosswalk or cross at an intersection. Look up and down the street for pedestrians before crossing. In case you see a pedestrian, stop and wait for them to cross before proceeding.
- Collisions between a vehicle and a pedestrian can cause life-threatening injuries. Therefore, you must be very careful. You should always stop for pedestrians, even though you may have the right of way.
- Bicycles must follow the same rules as cars and, therefore, remember to always stop. While you may be faster than a pedestrian, you should stop for it anyway.
Step 4. Check for cars merging or turning right if you are cycling
Crossing the street by bike can leave you feeling vulnerable, especially if other drivers are aggressive. It is legal for cars to turn right at a red light, so collisions can occur if drivers are not paying attention to bicyclists. When crossing, you should monitor other cars in the intersection for movement. Be aware of cars that could turn, as they may not see you.
- Pay close attention to cars that could turn onto the street you are on and also cars approaching behind you.
- If a car turns right at a red light into your lane, you have the right of way. However, avoid putting your health and safety at risk just by being correct. Stop or jump off the road in case someone turns into your lane in an unsafe way.
Step 5. Get off the bike and walk with it to cross the street when you are in a crosswalk
You could make the decision to use the crosswalk when crossing a busy street by bike. In many places, it is not legal to ride a bicycle in a crosswalk. Aside from getting in trouble, you may put pedestrians at risk if you ride a bike in the intersection. In case you want to use the crosswalk, get off the bike and push it to the other side of the street.
Advice
Don't forget to look and listen at all times when crossing the street
Warnings
- In the event that you cross the street outside of a pedestrian crossing or ignore pedestrian signals, this is known as reckless crossing and is illegal. You could be fined for it according to the laws where you live.
- Avoid crossing the street if you are under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Wait until you are sober before trying to cross the street.