How to Travel Safely Through a Busy Intersection

Walking, riding a bike or driving through a busy intersection can be very hazardous if you are not careful and paying close attention to your surroundings. Fortunately, the more careful you are, the less risky this task becomes. There are several precautions that you should take when traveling through a busy intersection.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Cross at a designated crosswalk. It is important that drivers know where to expect you.
2. Push the button on the light pole, so that the "Walk" signal or pedestrian graphic image is displayed. This "go" signal signal may never come up if the button on the light pole is not pressed.
3. Walk across the intersection only during your designated time and hurry, as the traffic signal can change quickly. Never attempt to run across when it isn't your time to do so, just because you can see how far away the vehicles are or just because the signal is red.
4. Look both ways before crossing and make sure no cars are coming. Even though you have a "Walk" symbol, you never know when someone might run a red light or otherwise not be paying attention.
5. Pay close attention to your surroundings. This means not only looking both ways, but also listening and being in tune to what is going on around you. Take off your headphones, get off of your cell phone and really make sure you are aware of what is going on until you have completely crossed the intersection.
6. Obey all laws and regulations when driving a vehicle or pedaling a bicycle through an intersection.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't cross a few feet away from designated crosswalks just because you can see that others are crossing at the crosswalk and you're afraid the signal will change before you get there.
• Never forget that personal safety and well being for you and those with you, especially children, is the most important factor when travelling across a busy intersection.