8 tips to improve pedestrian and road safety

In the Philippines, it’s a common thought that if a driver hits a pedestrian while on the road, the driver will shoulder all responsibility. This is said to be the case even if the person isn’t on a dedicated pedestrian lane. While the situation may vary from one case to another, there are actually better ways than proving who should be to blame.

It’s a common thought that if a driver hits a pedestrian while on the road, the driver will shoulder all responsibility?

As vehicle owners, it is a privilege to be able to drive in the first place. But with this privilege also comes a great responsibility of keeping yourself and other people safe.

This includes both other drivers and pedestrians. So how should one drive in order to keep other people safe? Is there a special class or course you need to take? Do you need to go slower than normal from now on? Find out everything you need to know right in this article from Philkotse.com:

Avoiding Pedestrians

These days, a lot of pedestrians are walking with minimal attention focused on the road. That means they are either distracted mentally or are just engrossed in their smartphones. There are cases of pedestrians being run over by vehicles every day. But most of them are not being published on the news.

While some perpetrators aren’t sent to jail for accidentally hitting someone or running them over with a car, you can still face some fines. Whether it’s fines or jail time, nobody ever wants to do either of that. That’s why it’s just best to stay safe and alert on the road. In that way, you get to where you want in due time without facing problems.

A lot of pedestrians are walking with minimal attention focused on the road

To help you get better at pedestrian safety while driving, we have a collection of tips for you. Keep them in mind whenever you go out and don’t be afraid to share it with loved ones and friends you care about.

>>> Related: A complete guide to avoid pedestrian accidents

1. Be a responsible driver

As we mentioned earlier, being able to drive is a privilege. So as a driver, you need to keep in mind the safety of those around you and your vehicle.

This, of course, includes pedestrians. Keeping an air of pedestrian responsibility while driving will help you become warier of other travelers, including those who choose to walk.

Being able to drive is a privilege

2. Avoid distractions while driving

The importance of this tip right here cannot be stressed enough. Being distracted while driving not only puts you in danger. It also endangers the lives of your passengers and those around you.

If you are eating, drinking or on your phone, you ill most likely fail to notice a pedestrian suddenly walking across the road. Even conversations can be as distracting as flipping through your phone. Also, clear your head before you drive. Avoid too much mental stress that you no longer have a grasp of the scene in front of you.

Conversations can be as distracting as flipping through your phone

If you find yourself drifting away in thought, slow down and park for a moment. Clear your head and remember that you still have to get somewhere safely. Also, make sure that everything is in its rightful place before you drive. Keep children in respective seats and place your phone on a dedicated holder.

>>> Related: 

• 6 things you should know about Anti Distracted Driving Act in the Philippines
• What should be avoided when driving a car other than distracted driving?

3. Always be on the lookout for pedestrians

Always look for pedestrians even if you don’t think there’s any. This is regardless if you’re in the city or in a less populated place. In the Philippines, you can find people living almost everywhere.

This is why it’s best to stay alert and do a visual scan of the area first. If you’re near an area that’s usually populated, you should be more cautious. Some examples are churches, malls, schools, and parks. Also, keep in mind that there are jaywalkers who don’t often use pedestrian lanes. That’s why you best be careful wherever you go.

If you’re near an area that’s usually populated, you should be more cautious

4. Keep your eyes peeled for kids

Kids will be kids. That’s why as drivers, it’s your responsibility to be careful around them. Although most kids are taught to be careful around roads, there are still some who forget to do this.

So always keep your eyes open for children regardless if they’re with guardians or alone. The usual places where kids are are schools, residential areas, and playgrounds.

Always keep your eyes open for children regardless if they’re with guardians or alone

5. Look before turning

Pedestrians won’t always be at the front part of your vehicle. While you’re making a turn, drive slowly so you won’t hit any pedestrians if there’s a crosswalk in that area after the curve. If you see a pedestrian trying to cross the road, give them eye contact. Then signal them to cross by waving your hand if it’s safe to cross.

6. Follow traffic lights and signals

This is pretty obvious but we’ll say it anyway. To be a responsible driver, we need to be mindful of every road signal. This includes traffic lights and pedestrian crosswalks.

These are made to protect everybody, including drivers like you. Make sure you always stop at a red light. Also, be generous to other drivers and pedestrians. Let people cross the road and wait until the road is clear for you. Also, follow signals that indicate notices like one-way or no honking.

>>> Related: A Deeper Understanding of the Different Road Signs in the Philippines

7. Give pedestrians the right of way all the time

Even if you are a responsible driver, some pedestrians may not be the same as you. There are pedestrians that cross the road on a red light. There are also people who choose to cross the road even when there’s no crosswalk.

But even if it is the pedestrians that are breaking the law, it’s best that you should just give way. After all, who would want to get into an accident or argument over who’s at fault when an accident has already happened?

8. Never drive under the influence of liquor

Driving under the influence is a major no-no regardless wherever you are in the world. Drinking impairs a person’s way of thinking and slows down reaction time. In fact, it just makes you a really bad driver and decision-maker overall. Never attempt to drive while drunk or even “just tipsy”. You won’t only be a harm to yourself but also to the people around you.