Walkable communities are good for the environment and your health. Walking can help you maintain a healthy weight and avoid the costs of gas and parking your car. But walking near traffic can be dangerous and pedestrians should always use caution when crossing streets. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 4,800 pedestrians were killed in traffic deaths in 2007, and more than 118,000 were injured.

As you walk your way to health, remember these tips from the CDC to keep yourself safe:

• Stop and look both ways. Cross the street at a designated crosswalk and pay careful attention at intersections where drivers may fail to yield to the right-of-way of pedestrians while turning onto another street.
• Walk on sidewalks or paths. If there are no sidewalks, walk facing traffic and watch for cars turning or backing up.
• Be visible. At night, carry a flashlight and wear reflective clothing to increase your visibility.

While all pedestrians are at risk, nearly one in five traffic deaths among children ages 14 and under are pedestrian deaths. This may be due to their small size and inexperience following traffic rules. As a community, it is important for pedestrians, parents, and drivers to be aware of the traffic laws and put each other’s safety first.

Want to know more?

Pedestrian Safety from the CDC: http://www.cdc.gov/Features/PedestrianSafety/

Safe Routes to School Web Guide: http://guide.saferoutesinfo.org/steps/index.cfm