How Can Your Behavior Increase Safety?

Figure 1.  Distractions are dangerous for all road users.  Your undivided attention increases safety for all users.

 

Regardless of whether you are walking, biking, or driving, it is important to be alert to your surroundings, follow all traffic laws, and act predictably.  If everyone did this, we would greatly reduce the number of collisions.  Of course not everyone does this all the time, therefor it is critical to drive, ride, and walk defensively as well.

Be Alert to Your Surroundings

Distracted driving is become more common, but even the most alert driver does not always notice bicyclists and pedestrians.  Keeping yourself safe includes walking, biking, and driving defensively.  Be aware of your surroundings and the movements of all road users.  Make eye contact with drivers.  When you believe another road user is not following traffic laws, choose to avoid a collision rather than being "right".

1) Do not text and drive.  It's the law.

2) Do not use your phone, eat or drink, or do any other activity that takes away your attention to the task of driving.

3) Slow down.  Speed decreases what you observe, your reaction time, and dramatically increases collision severity.

4) Make eye contact with other road users.

Follow Traffic Laws and Act Predictably

Adhering to traffic laws helps other users anticipate your actions and helps you anticipate theirs.  With few exceptions, when riding a bike on a street, you have the same rights and responsibilities as a driver.  Pedestrians have the right-of-way in crosswalks but must otherwise yield to automobiles.  Please review Arkansas and Little Rock bicycle and pedestrian laws.  By using turning signals, body language, and eye contact, you can communicate your intentions to other road users. 

For more information on how to act safely on roadways, visit our Education page.