Lifestyle

10 Pedestrian Safety Tips That Could Save Your Life

Published

3 years ago

January 18, 2023

For the most part, walking is good for you. But there are times when it can be dangerous—specifically when walking near traffic.

Consider these sobering statistics published by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA):

In 2020, there were 6,516 pedestrians killed in traffic crashes, the highest since 1990 and a 3.9% increase from 2019. On average, a pedestrian died every 81 minutes in 2020 — accounting for 17% of all traffic fatalities.

Why does this happen? Pedestrian traffic deaths have many causes, but according to NHTSA data from 2013, most occur in urban areas (73%), in non-intersection locations (69%), and when it’s dark (72%).

In this article, we’ll go over the best safety tips to help ensure you don’t get hurt as a pedestrian or hurt someone else as a driver.

Let’s get started!

When you’re walking …

Stay on the sidewalk

The sidewalk is one of the safest places to be as a pedestrian because it’s made specifically for walking. So use it as much as possible.

If no sidewalk is available, see if you can take an alternate route that has a walking path. Walking on the side of the road should be a last resort, but if you must do it, stay as far away from traffic as possible and walk facing it so that you can better see oncoming vehicles.

Use crosswalks

When it comes to crossing the street, use the crosswalk. Again, crosswalks are made for pedestrians. It’s where drivers will most expect to see you. So avoid jaywalking and wait until you get to a designated crosswalk (usually located along intersections and corners).

Before crossing, wait for the crosswalk light to turn green (if there is one). Then look both ways. Look left, then right, and then left again. Stay alert for traffic until you get to the other side of the street.

Put your phone away

It’s no secret that for many, phones have become a huge distraction. And that’s true for when people walk, too.

According to a study by New York’s Stony Brook University, participants were 61% more likely to veer off course when using their cell phone while walking and 13% more likely to overshoot a target placed a few meters away.

That means if you’re looking down at your phone while walking, you are more likely to accidentally walk into traffic or a parked car. So put the phone down and pay attention to where you are going.

Don’t walk drunk

Though you may be tempted to walk home drunk to avoid driving under the influence, don’t. Walking home drunk can be just as dangerous.

According to the NHTSA, in 2020, an estimated 47% of fatal pedestrian crashes involved a pedestrian who was drunk.

So instead of taking the risk of getting involved in an accident, get a cab or have a sober friend give you a ride home. It’s safer for you and other drivers.

Make yourself visible

One simple way to lower the risk of getting hit as a pedestrian is to make yourself more visible to drivers. You can do this by walking during the day, wearing bright or reflective clothing, or carrying a flashlight when it’s dark.

Whatever you do, don’t assume that drivers see you.

And if you ever get hit by a car as a pedestrian, hire an experienced car accident attorney. They can help you get the compensation you deserve for any injuries, lost income, and more.

When you’re driving …

Keep an eye out for pedestrians

Pedestrians can be hard to see, especially when it’s dark. So watch out for them.

Be especially cautious around neighborhoods and school zones, where children can sometimes dart out into the street unexpectedly. Stay alert and drive extra slowly.

Yield to crossing pedestrians

Anytime a pedestrian crosses the street, it’s your job to yield as a driver. They have right of way, not you.

For the same reason, you should never try to pass another vehicle stopped at a crosswalk. They may be yielding to a pedestrian that you can’t see from your angle.

Get rid of distractions

In 2020, 3,142 people were killed by distracted driving, and that includes pedestrians. Whether it’s texting, eating, drinking, or talking to other passengers, distractions can take your eyes off the road and increase the risk of an accident.

So give your full attention to the road. Everything else can wait.

Keep the speed limit

Speeding also increases the risk of a pedestrian accident.

According to the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA), the percentage of pedestrian fatalities involving speeding in 2020 rose to 8.6%, a notable increase from 7.2% the year before. The organization also notes that the average risk of death for pedestrians increases exponentially the faster a vehicle is traveling, from 10% at 23 MPH to 90% at 58 MPH.

Why? For one, speeding gives you less time to react to pedestrians on the road, so you are more likely to hit them. Secondly, speeding exponentially increases the impact of a crash, leading to more serious injuries or death in the event of an accident.

So keep the speed limit. It’s there for a reason.

Never drink and drive

Lastly, never drink and drive. It impairs your depth perception, your reaction time, and your ability to drive overall. In short, it’s a recipe for disaster.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), of all the people who died in crashes involving alcohol-impaired drivers in 2020, 38% were passengers of the alcohol-impaired drivers, drivers or passengers of another vehicle, or nonoccupants (such as a pedestrian).

Driving drunk is extremely dangerous. That’s why it comes with serious legal consequences. It can lead to hefty fines (up to thousands of dollars), jail time (up to a year in some states), and losing your license.

Whether you are a driver or a pedestrian, make pedestrian safety a top priority. It could save your or someone else’s life.

Lifestyle

The Breakroom Reset: Small Changes That Improve the Workday

Published

1 day ago

February 11, 2026

Michelle Langton

The office breakroom is a space that’s often neglected and can sometimes feel more like an afterthought than a key feature of the workplace. This is unfortunate, especially since employees typically visit the breakroom to rest and recuperate before finishing their shift. Considering its intended function, the breakroom should be viewed as one of the most important spaces in the entire office.

Having a welcoming and rejuvenating breakroom can promote social interaction, enhance workplace culture, and reduce stress. Employees who feel restored after visiting the breakroom are more likely to feel happy at work and be more productive the rest of the day. If your workplace breakroom leaves a lot to be desired, here are some small changes you can make to totally reset it.

Small Breakroom Changes That Improve the Workday

Unless your breakroom is in shambles and needs major reconstruction, you don’t have to spend a fortune on it to make it more inviting. In many cases, small and simple changes can make a big impact on the overall vibe of any space.

Whether you’re working with a limited budget or limited space, there are still plenty of things you can do to reset your boring breakroom. Here are some small breakroom changes that can improve the workday and give you maximum bang for your buck.

Convenient Hydration Options

Employees need to stay hydrated to keep their health and energy levels high. Unfortunately, many employees are chronically dehydrated because they don’t have access to tasty beverages at work. This doesn’t necessarily mean you have to install a soda machine in the breakroom. Giving workers unlimited access to sugary drinks could backfire in the long run by contributing to illnesses and increased sick days.

Instead of offering sugary beverages (that can actually contribute to dehydration in the long run), make it easier for your employees to stay hydrated with pure water. Providing a filtered office drinking water system is one of the best ways to encourage optimal hydration. Most employees will appreciate the clean, tasty alternative to standard office tap water.

Comfy Seating

When was the last time you took a look at the seating arrangements in your breakroom? If it’s been a while, take a walk over there and give it a good look. Is there sufficient space for multiple employees to sit at the same time? Are the seats comfortable and rearrangeable so employees can interact with others or achieve greater privacy as desired? If not, you might benefit from a breakroom seating reset.

Seating arrangements in breakrooms should be both comfortable and flexible. You might want to bring in some modular furniture because it’s easy to move and rearrange as needed. For maximum versatility, seating arrangements should include a mix of traditional breakroom chairs and tables, lounge chairs, and even bean bags. Making the space as open as possible will also help it look more roomy and inviting.

Nutritious Snack Options

Most employers don’t provide full meals for their employees. It’s perfectly reasonable to expect workers to make their own lunch or dinner arrangements. However, if you want to support your employees’ energy levels, keep healthy snacks in your breakroom. Nutritious snacks can enhance employee performance throughout the day, so workers find it easier to get more done.

Instead of investing in chips, candy bars, and other sugary sweets, opt for snack options that won’t cause sugar spikes and inevitable crashes. Some great options include trail mixes, protein bars, fresh fruit, popcorn, and veggie trays. Instant oatmeal cups can also be a convenient source of energy for those who don’t have time to grab breakfast before heading to work. You might want to send out an employee survey to see what types of healthy snacks your workers prefer.

Optimal Lighting

Did you know that poor lighting can negatively impact your employees’ psychological and emotional well-being? Improving workplace lighting (including in the breakroom) can make a huge difference in worker morale and energy levels. Warm white light may be a great choice for the breakroom because it creates a soothing, calm atmosphere. Cool white light might be a better fit for conference rooms and cubicle areas because it enhances focus and energy.

Of course, natural light is arguably the best option for the office whenever it’s available. If your breakroom has windows, try to keep the shades open during working hours. That way, employees can experience the mood- and health-boosting benefits of natural light exposure.

Entertainment Options

Some office managers and CEOs mistakenly think that a breakroom should be boring to serve its purpose well. However, the terms “boring” and “relaxing” are not synonymous. Employees may find a boring breakroom to be surprisingly non-restorative. On the flip side, a room equipped for entertainment can be very relaxing and rejuvenating.

To make your breakroom a more enjoyable place to spend time, you might want to install a corner television. That way, workers can watch their favorite sitcom while they relax. You might also keep a few card or board games stocked in a cupboard for employees who prefer to interact in fun ways during their lunch breaks.

Reset Your Breakroom Today

Your employee breakroom can reveal a lot about your overall workplace environment. If it’s not lit well, or if it’s boring and unwelcoming, workers are more likely to feel underappreciated and discontented. The good news is that you don’t have to sink a lot of money or effort into resetting your breakroom and getting a fresh start. Use these simple tips to revamp your breakroom and make it a place where workers can go to feel truly cared for and relaxed.