Please follow the pedestrian safety tips shared here. Now that Daylight Saving Time has ended, it gets darker earlier at night, making it more challenging for motorists to see you.
- Wear reflective clothing at night. For those walking in the dark, clothes with large reflective stripes are recommended. Drivers may not see you if you have only one or two small reflective patches on your clothing. Many backpacks and shoes also use reflective materials to add visibility.
- Cross streets only at marked crosswalks or corners, and proceed only when the appropriate “walk” signal is displayed (if applicable). Be sure to push the “walk” activation buttons where available. At some intersections in the city, “walk” signals will be displayed ONLY if activation buttons are pushed.
- Look left, right, and left again before entering a crosswalk. Even if you have the right of way, check both ways to ensure that motorists see you and have stopped to allow you to cross.
- Make eye contact with drivers whenever possible before crossing the street and watch especially for vehicles that are turning or backing up. Walk quickly and purposefully as you cross streets.
- Do not use headphones, text, or talk on the telephone as you walk. You should always be able to hear, see, and quickly respond to what is going on around you.
- Be especially careful to look both ways when wearing a hooded jacket that covers your face and blocks your side vision.
Source: Public Safety at psafety@owu.edu.