Don’t Become a Statistic – Walk Facing Traffic
Knowing how to walk safely on the road will enhance your walking experience and keep you alive.
In this video, you will learn how to walk safely on the road by facing traffic.
These are the same tips I use each and every time to walk safely on the road.
Walking for Health and Fitness is the easiest way to get in shape and stay in shape!
But first and foremost we need to stay safe.
Walk Facing Traffic
For your safety, if you must walk on the side of the road, choose the side where you are facing oncoming traffic. This gives you the best chance to see traffic approaching closest to you. And, it will allow you precious time to take evasive action when needed.
When you walk while facing traffic, you can see the drivers face and get a better read on what they are doing.
Are drivers:
Looking at the road?
Are they looking down?
Look at their Cell phone
Texting
Looking at GPS
Reading directions
Eating a sandwich?
Walk Facing Traffic to Save Your Life
When you walk facing traffic, drivers can see you. As you get out and walk more and more, you will get a general sense of what drivers are going to do.
In my experience:
90% of drivers see me and either slow down or move slightly over the center line to give themselves room to pass me.
9% of drivers are clueless or worse… distracted.
These drivers are why you must be facing traffic and take evasive action if necessary.
1% of drivers are just plain dangerous and you must avoid them at all costs.
I’ve jumped the left to avoid getting hit a few times in my life.
Thank God I saw and anticipated what was about to happen.
Waking Safety Facts:
In 2017, there were nearly 6,000 pedestrian fatalities.
Speed Kills: a pedestrian hit at 20 miles per hour has a 10% chance of dying. Getting hit at 40 miles per hours increases the death rate to 80%
Nearly 50 percent of all pedestrian accidents happen on the weekends and 70 percent happen at night.
Your “Next Step”
Vow to never walk with your back to traffic. You can’t avoid what you don’t see coming at you.
Plan your walking routes on less traveled roads and neighborhoods
Plan to walk in a park
Parks have no vehicle traffic, other walkers, well-maintained walkways and paths, and usually restroom facilities.
Walking in a park setting will facilitate you
Make social connections
If walking at night, wear a reflective vest and use a flashlight
Walk on,
Frank Ring
Author: Walking for Health and Fitness, and Fitness Walking and Bodyweight Exercises
Contact Frank at Frank@walkingforhealthandfitness.com
PS Please share these important Walking Safely on the Road safety tips. They may save your life or the life of someone you love.
