Walking is a part of our daily lives, but we often take for granted the basic rules of the road we learned when we were much younger…

• Always cross at intersections. Crossing mid-block is unsafe; never cross from between two parked cars…drivers can’t see you and definitely are not expecting you.
• Stop, look and listen before crossing. As when you were a child, look right and left over your shoulder before crossing; look for cars and bicycles.
• Make eye contact with drivers. Don’t step out into the street until the cars have yielded.
• Allow vehicles enough time to stop. Don’t try to assert your right of way with a fast-moving vehicle.
• When crossing at a signal-controlled intersection, cross only on a green light OR when the “walk” sign is activated; the walk sign may change, but the light is timed to give you enough time to continue on safely before opposing traffic approaches.
• Be visible, predictable – always cross in a straight line… the shortest distance between two points. Use extra care when crossing with children. Remember, drivers may not see a little one…hold their hand while crossing.
• Be a defensive walker. Always watch where you are going and expect the unexpected.

Brought to you by the Santa Monica Police Department. For more information, visit http://santamonicapd.org or http://www.facebook.com/santamonicapd.