112th Precinct Community Council

Pedestrian Safety

May 08, 2005

PEDESTRIAN SAFETY
By Heidi Harrison Chain

As we are approaching spring, we will be out walking in the community. We must always be aware and think safety as we cross the streets--- especially in our community. I thank our auxiliaries who on a volunteer basis help people cross some of our streets. But they cannot be there on a daily basis /24 hours a day.
Here are some safety tips for you
It is a good idea for many reasons to carry a small flashlight with you. It will help you when walking at night and is also is a great habit to always carry a flashlight so that you have it with you in case there is a power outage.
If you are walking with a baby carriage- then keep the carriage on the sidewalk with you until it is safe to cross the street. Do NOT have the carriage in the street while you are waiting for the light to change.
If the light changes do not assume that you can just cross. Do NOT simply depend on traffic signals to tell you when it's clear to walk. Look and listen before you step into the street. Unfortunately there are drivers who do not obey the traffic signals. You must be careful and take precautions. Also to be sure that you see Turn your whole body, not just your neck, when scanning for traffic. Do not cross from between parked vehicles.
112th PRECINCT COUNCIL REFLECTOR PROGRAM
If you are going out a night you should wear bright clothing and not be dressed in black or other dark colors so that you could not be easily visible. One way to increase your visibility is to wear a reflector on your clothing. The precinct council purchased safety reflectors for you. Our reflectors can be pinned to your clothing. The reflective fabric can be seen at great distances to increase your safety at night. You can attach a reflector to your pet?’s leash to increase your and your pet?’s safety when walking at night. You can also attach our reflectors to your bags and or backpacks so that drivers will notice you. You can attach it to your outfit when you go out bicycling or merely when taking a stroll. They are free for our residents.
QUEENS BOULEVARD
If you are going to cross Queens Boulevard ?– here are some safety tips from the 112th precinct.
Whenever and Wherever you cross Queens Boulevard, DO IT THE SAFER WAY!
* STOP at the curb before entering the street.
*CROSS when a solid white pedestrian walk signal is facing you. By waiting for a new WALK signal, you'll have the most time to cross the street.
*LOOK left-right-left before you step off the sidewalk; even if the signal says WALK. Begin to cross only when you are sure it is clear.
*KEEP LOOKING (scan for vehicles) as you cross street
* If the DON'T WALK signal begins to flash while you are crossing, keep walking to the closest safe place, such as a traffic island. Wait on the traffic island where you will be out of the way of fast moving traffic, until the pedestrian walk cycle begins again and then continue to cross.
SEE AND BE SEEN!
Make eye contact with the driver of a turning vehicle before you step off the curb.
Hold your hand up high or even wave at the driver if you have to. IF you 're not sure the driver sees you , let the car or truck go by.

Drivers expect pedestrians to cross at crosswalks. Cross at marked crosswalks. Crossing midblock on a wide busy street, such as Queens Boulevard where vehicles travel quickly is dangerous.