I’ve been walking almost daily, and I’ve noticed many people do not know the rules for walking safely. I find myself crossing the road to maintain appropriate social distancing at least three or four times per walk. While this is a temporary inconvenience, it causes me to be walking with traffic which is unsafe, so these people can continue to be unsafe as well. I’m not going to spoil my walk or someone else’s with an on the spot safety lecture, but I feel like this is a good forum to spread the word about safety. I’ve seen several posts on our neighborhood patch, so I know I’m not the only one who worries about this issue.

Unfortunately, in my neighborhood, we don’t have sidewalks, so those of us who walk for fun and exercise or walk our dogs must walk on the road. If you are a pedestrian you are supposed to walk facing traffic whether you are running, walking alone, with friends, pets, or pushing a stroller. This is so drivers can see you and you can see them.

Many of us walk and listen to music – keep the volume low enough that you can hear the sounds around you and do not wear noise canceling headphones or earbuds. Wear light colored clothing and if you walk after dark (which comes early since the time change) wear a reflective vest and carry a flashlight, so drivers can see you. Be aware of the time of day you are walking. Is the sun shining in your face or a driver’s face?
It’s hilly in Pennsylvania and sometimes drivers can’t see you and you can’t see them. If you are walking on a one-way street, try to walk facing traffic. There will typically be a parallel road running in the opposite direction if possible, use the alternate road for your return walk. Also, watch out when you must walk around parked vehicles.  

Yes, it would be wonderful if every community would just put in sidewalks to keep us safe, but that’s never going to happen, so it’s up to us to be aware and be safe.