Road Safety for Pedestrians

It's important for all road users to know how to stay safe. This is also true for people who aren't motorists. If you're a pedestrian on or near the road, why not protect yourself by following our safety tips for pedestrians?

Paying attention to your surroundings

It might sound like obvious advice, but it's vital that you keep an eye on your surroundings. It's easy to become distracted with day to day life, but roads can be extremely dangerous and keeping aware could save your life.

  1. Avoid using your mobile phone while walking - this is a serious distraction and you might miss something important.

  2. Don't play ball games on or near roads. Stick to playing fields and parks where it's much safer.

How you can stay safe on the roads

Follow our straightforward tips to make yourself much safer when you're out and about.

Don't forget to read our road safety and winter road safety pages for more information if you're a motorist.

Lancaster Community Fire and Ambulance Station

Road safety tips you should follow

  • Use the stop, look and listen system.

  • Don’t try to cross the road between parked cars.

  • If possible, cross at a pedestrian crossing or traffic lights.

  • Never cross the road on a blind bend.

  • If there is a footpath, use it rather than walking on the roadway.

  • If there is no footpath, walk on the right hand side of the road, facing oncoming traffic and keep as close as possible to the side of the road.

  • Wear fluorescent clothing during the day and reflective clothing at night to make sure you're visible.

If you've been drinking

Alcohol impairs your judgement and can make you behave in a way you wouldn't if you were sober.

After a drink, your ability to judge distances and the speed of vehicles can worsen, making the likelihood of you having an accident much greater.

If you've been drinking, consider taking a bus or taxi home rather than walking. Alternatively, have a designated driver in your group who can make sure everyone gets home safely.

It's also important that you don't walk home along a canal or river if you're intoxicated; you could fall in and drown.

Crossing the right way

It's always better to use a pedestrian crossing rather than risking it without one. Motorists should slow down and double-check crossings before they pass through them, making crossing the road much less hazardous for pedestrians.

Safer places to cross include zebra crossings, traffic islands, footbridges, subways and traffic lights. When using any type of crossing you should always check that the traffic has stopped before you start to cross. Always cross between the studs or over the zebra markings. Do not cross at the side of the crossing or on the zigzag lines, as it can be dangerous.

You must not loiter on any type of road crossing - cross as promptly and safely as you can.