When Getting Back to Business, Safety is Job #1

You might be ready to get back to a regular routine or you might be sad to leave the days of sleeping in, hanging out with friends and family, and having extra time to do accomplish an overdue project or just simply relaxing. Either way, going back to work/school after the holidays means the roadways will be congested once again. To help you prepare for more vehicles, buses, cyclists, and pedestrians, here are a several motorist and pedestrian tips.

MOTORISTS

Driving Tip #1: Get an early start. Wake up earlier to allow extra time to reach your destination especially in poor weather conditions. Allow additional time if you need to pass through a school zone or drop of children.

Driving Tip #2: Watch for children at intersections, crosswalks and bus stops. Watch for signs indicating schools zones and obey posted speed limits.

Driving Tip #3: Keep in mind that pedestrians who are wearing headphones, hats or earmuffs may not hear your vehicle as it approaches.

Driving Tip #4: Be in control and alert so you are aware of activity around you. Don’t talk on the phone or text while driving.

Driving Tip #5: Do not tailgate and maintain a safe distance behind school buses, and never pass a bus when it’s loading or unloading.

Driving Tip # 6: Remember it is dark at rush hour. With the end of daylight savings time comes an increase of darkness and decrease in visibility at rush hour. Use your headlights as dusk arrives. Slow down; you need more time to see a pedestrian in your path.

Driving Tip #7: If you have not done so already, prepare yourself and your vehicle for winter driving. Refresh your memory on how to safely navigate through the winter season. Driving in the rain, fog, snow and bright sunlight calls for extra care as these conditions can reduce visibility or increase the risk of skidding and losing and control. Consult the owner’s manual for tips specific to your vehicle and become familiar with how your car handles certain situations and conditions.

Driving Tip # 8: Drive as if every child on the street were you own.

PEDESTRIANS

Pedestrian Tip #1: Carry a flashlight or attach reflective materials to clothing, backpacks, purses, and briefcases so drivers can see you.

Pedestrian Tip #2: Don’t depend on the traffic signal to protect you. Motorists may be distracted, especially during rush hour and when it is dark.

Pedestrian Tip #3: Use a crosswalk whenever possible. Avoid jaywalking and crossing between parked vehicles.

Pedestrian Tip #4: Walk on sidewalks whenever possible. If you must walk on the street, face traffic.

Pedestrian Tip #5: When crossing the street, remember to look left-right-left before exiting the curb.

Pedestrian Tip #6: Watch for vehicles at driveways and intersections.

Pedestrian Tip #7: Avoid distractions, such as texting or talking on the phone while walking.

What safety precautions do you take this time of year?

Mark Bello is the CEO and General Counsel of Lawsuit Financial Corporation, a pro-justice lawsuit funding company.