Tips for Safe Walking
Safety Tips
- Cross at the corner or at marked crosswalks
- When crossing, always look both ways, even on a one-way street
- At traffic signals, cross only when you have a “Walk” sign or symbol
- A flashing “Don’t Walk” sign means don’t start—but if you’re already walking, proceed across carefully and swiftly
- Watch for turning traffic
- Be aware of motorists running red lights
- Check for cyclists riding against traffic
- Use pedestrian buttons where available
- At night wear something reflective—remember that you are hard to see
- Take note of when the sun is in drivers’ eyes, especially at sunrise and sunset, and proceed with extra caution
- On Arlington's multi-use trails, walk to the right and don’t block or stop in the path
Also see tips for sharing Arlington's multi-use trails.
Be Good to Your Body
- Drink plenty of water before, during and after walking, to help prevent dehydration
- Wear sunscreen and lip balm, SPF 15 or higher, with both UV-A and UV-B protection
- If you invest in nothing else, do your feet a favor and purchase shoes that fit well and are made for walking—they don’t need to be expensive shoes, just ones that provide good support and feel comfortable