With the return of spring and spring weather, many of us will start to
walk more, either for exercise, a means to accomplish daily errands, or
a combination of the two. Walking is both a great way to maintain a
healthy lifestyle and an alternative to driving an automobile. By
substituting walking for some short trip driving, people of all ages can
improve their physical health and quality of life, as well as re-connect
with the community.
Pedestrians should always follow a few basic rules of safety to protect
themselves and their families: (Source: National Highway Transportation
and Safety Administration)
* Walk on the sidewalk. Stay on the sidewalk and use the
crosswalks. If a sidewalk is available, use the sidewalk and stay out
of the road, even if the sidewalk is not located on the same side of the
street as your final destination. If you must walk on a road that
doesn't have sidewalks, walk facing traffic.
* Cross at intersections. Drivers can see pedestrians more easily
at an intersection. Most people are hit by cars when they cross
the road at places other than intersections.
* Look left, right, and left for traffic. Stop at the curb and
look left, right, and left again for traffic. Stopping at the curb
signals drivers that you intend to cross. Cross in marked crosswalks
and obey the signals.
* See and be seen. Drivers need to be able to see you in order to
avoid you. Make eye contact with drivers when you cross busy streets
and stay out of the driver's blind spot. Wear bright colors or
reflective clothing if you are walking near traffic at night. Always
use a flashlight when walking in the dark to help drivers see you
better. Do not let children play near traffic or cross busy streets by
themselves. Children are small, and drivers may not see them if they
run into the street.
* Watch your children. Children should not cross streets by
themselves or be allowed to play or walk near traffic. Kids are
small, unpredictable, and cannot judge vehicle distances or speeds. As
children get older, teach them to do three things before they
cross the street: 1) Try to cross at a corner with a traffic light; 2)
Stop at the curb; 3) Look left, right, then left again to make
sure no cars are coming.
The Colchester Health Department provided pedestrian safety programs at
child day care centers and taught children how to cross streets safely
with an adult. If your child attends a day care center in town, ask
them how to cross the street safely at crosswalks, and you may be
surprised at how much they know! Providing safe and accessible walking
opportunities for children can prevent tragic injuries and deaths, and
if children walk regularly, it can also improve their health and set
patterns that will carry them into adulthood.
So set a good example for your children, or get yourself back into a
healthy routine and use Colchester's great sidewalk system. Our
sidewalks provide easy access between businesses in downtown, and safe
access from Town Hall to the Air Line Trail Spur on Lebanon Avenue. Put
your best foot forward and talk a walk!
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