Pedestrian Safety

When out & about, remember to:

• Unplug from technology: Don’t be a distracted walker.
• Make Eye Contact with drivers before you cross: Don’t Walk until all traffic stops.
• Use a Sidewalk, if possible: If sidewalks are not available, walk on the side of the road, facing the traffic coming towards you.
• Use a Crosswalk or intersection: Rather than crossing in the middle of the street.
• Look Left, Right, Left: Stop, and look left, right, and left again for traffic BEFORE crossing the street.
• Be Safe, Be Seen: Drivers need to see you – and to avoid you. Wear bright and/or reflective clothing and use a flashlight at night.
• Be Aware: When walking in front of a driveway, alleyway, or behind a car, be aware of cars that may be backing up. Look for backup lights, listen for engine noise and look for drivers in cars.

While driving, remember to:

• Stop at Crosswalks: Every intersection is a crosswalk—it’s the law. Drivers must stop for pedestrians at intersections, whether it’s an unmarked or marked crosswalk.
• Phone Down: Hand-held cell phone use and texting is prohibited for all Washington drivers.
• Obey Traffic Laws: Obey all traffic laws. Pay special attention to posted speed limits in school zones.
• Stay Alert: Avoid distracted or impaired driving.
• Use Caution: Every driver of a vehicle should use caution to avoid colliding with any pedestrian on any roadway and shall give warning by sounding the horn when necessary.

Funding Opportunities

• School Zone Grants* – Apply today!
  • School Walk Route Improvement Project Grants
  • School Zone Crossing Guard Grants
  • Law Enforcement Equipment Grants for School Zones

*Deadlines: Grants for the 2023-2024 school year will open on August 1, 2023 and close on April 30, 2024.

Safety Resources

• American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) – How to Design Streets to Keep Kids Safe
• Back to School Safety
• WALK, BIKE & ROLL TO SCHOOL
• Safe Routes – National Center for Safe Routes to School
• Pedestrian and Bicycle Information Center
• National Highway Traffic Safety Commission (NHTSA) Pedestrian Safety
• WA State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) – Pedestrian Laws & Safety
• Seattle Department of Transportation – 2023 SCHOOL TRAVEL TALLY REPORT
• Roadway Safety Topics
• FREE Walk Audit Tool Kit (Available in English & Spanish)
• What is a Traffic Garden?
• Washington State Traffic Garden Toolkit
• Seattle’s Bike Playground: Practice Bike Safety in White Center Traffic Garden
• Traffic Garden Resources
• Distracted Driving Awareness Month
• Road to Zero
• Target Zero
• Washington Traffic Safety Commission (WTSC)

Downloadables

Visit our Digital Resource Center to learn more about Pedestrian Safety — plus, more injury and violence prevention topics year-round!