How to be a Safe Pedestrian in Rain

Walking is excellent exercise. For those who choose to walk outdoors, pedestrian safety measures are essential. A walk in the rain, for example, requires extra walking safety rules. With a few precautions and some common sense, you can learn to be a safe pedestrian in rain.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Be seen. Wear brightly colored, reflective clothing. If you walk at night, in the rain or otherwise, always carry a flashlight or wear highly visible glo-sticks.
2. Stay off the road, particularly when walking in the rain. Rain greatly reduces visibility for drivers. Rain combined with headlight glare and road spray makes pedestrians very difficult for drivers to see. A highly visible oncoming car may not see you at all. Always walk on the shoulder of the roadway, as far off the pavement as possible.
3. Use crosswalks and obey traffic lights. Jaywalking is illegal, and in the rain it's downright dangerous. Cars will not be expecting a person in their path in the center of a city block. Take the few extra steps to the crosswalk for the safety of yourself and others around you.
4. Remember that cars can hydroplane. When puddles form on the road, cars can easily lose steering and braking control. Beware of cars driving in these conditions. When using a crosswalk, for example, carefully judge the speed of oncoming cars. Be sure they're capable of stopping before stepping into the road. Hydroplaning vehicles have no regard for pedestrian safety.
5. Make eye contact. Be aware of cars in your vicinity and make sure they're aware of you. Making eye contact with drivers provides additional walking safety. This unspoken communication reassures both driver and pedestrian of the other's existence and intentions, which reduces accidents. This technique is especially important in crosswalks, where a driver may be watching the traffic signal and preparing to 'jump the green light.' If you see a driver watching the light and not the crosswalk, be prepared for the car to take off when the light changes.
6. Beware of turning vehicles. Parking lots, traffic lights and driveways can be dangerous. Drivers sometimes forget to scan the full turn before they begin to make it.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't walk while wearing headphones. You need your eyes and ears for optimum walking safety; especially when walking in the rain. Staying focused and alert is the key to pedestrian safety.