Links to Information About Driver, Cyclist and Pedestrian Safety:

National Highway Transportation Safety Administration

National Safety Council

Centers for Disease Control - Injury Prevention

Washington State Department of Transportation - Pedestrian Safety Tips

Washington State Department of Transportation - Bicycle Safety Tips

Washington State Department of Transportation - Work Zone Driving Tips

Links to Information for Parents and Children:

Riskwatch (NFPA) Site for Kids

Safe Kids Worldwide

The following tips are compiled from various websites including those listed above.

SAFE DRIVING TIPS

• Before driving a car, do a simple safety check. Make sure that lights and blinkers are working, look for fluid leaks, and make sure that tires are properly inflated.
• When you get into the car, adjust all mirrors and seats before placing the key in the ignition.
• Buckle up.  Don't start the engine without securing each passenger in the car, including children and pets. Safety belts save thousands of lives each year! Lock all doors.
• Remember that driving too fast or too slow can increase the likelihood of collisions.
• When stopping at a stop sign, be sure to come to a complete stop and look all ways before proceeding.
• When a light turns green, look left, then right, straight ahead, then left again before proceeding through the light.
• Keep your eyes moving.
• Expect the unexpected. Be prepared for a child or pet to dart into the street, a piece of furniture to fall off a truck or a drunk driver to suddenly weave in front of your car. Always give yourself room to brake for or, better yet, maneuver around an emergency. Keep a constant vigil for escape routes, such as a break in traffic, an off-ramp, a wide median, or the road's shoulder.
• Don't kid yourself. If you plan to drink, designate a driver who won't drink. Alcohol is a factor in almost half of all fatal motor vehicle crashes.
• Expect the other drivers to make mistakes and think what you would do if a mistake does happen.
• When you re-fuel, take a moment to wash the windshield if it is dirty.
• When traveling behind other vehicles, there should be at least a 4 second space between your vehicles. When the car in front of you passes a stationary object, slowly count to yourself. If you pass the object before the allotted time, you should back off. When traveling at night or inclement weather, these times should be doubled.
• Leave early, plan to arrive 10 minutes before the appointed time. Speeding does not increase your ability to arrive on time, rather it only increases your chances of not arriving at all.
• Remember as your speed increases so does your braking distance.

SAFETY TIPS FOR CYCLISTS

• Obey traffic signs and signals - Bicycles must follow the rules of the road like other vehicles.
• Never ride against traffic - Motorists aren't looking for bicyclists riding on the wrong side of the road. State law and common sense require that bicyclists drive like other vehicles.
• Always signal before making a left or right turn. To make a left turn: look behind you, hold your left arm straight out and proceed carefully. For a right turn hold you left arm out and up in an ‘L’ shape.
• Follow lane markings - Don't turn left from the right lane. Don't go straight in a lane marked “right-turn only.”
• Scan the road behind you - Learn to look back over your shoulder without losing your balance or swerving. Some riders use rear-view mirrors.  Always check behind you when changing lanes.
• Keep both hands ready to brake - You may not stop in time if you brake one-handed. Allow extra distance for stopping in the rain, since breaks are less efficient when wet.
• Don’t follow cars too closely (you may be in their blind spot).  
• Wear a helmet and never ride with headphones -
• Dress appropriately - In rain wear a poncho or waterproof suit. Dress in layers so you can adjust to temperature changes. Wear bright colored clothing.
• Make eye contact with drivers - Assume that other drivers don't see you until you are sure that they do. Eye contact is important with any driver which might pose a threat to your safety.
• Use lights at night - The law requires a white headlight (visible from at least 500 feet ahead) and a rear reflector or taillight (visible up to 300 feet from behind).
• Keep your bike in good repair - Adjust your bike to fit you and keep it working properly. Check brakes and tires regularly. Routine maintenance is simple and you can learn to do it yourself.

SAFETY TIPS FOR WALKERS

• Cross at marked crosswalks or intersections. Pedestrians are most often hit by cars when they cross the road at places other than intersections.

• Walk on sidewalks. If sidewalks are not available, walk on the edge of the road or on the left shoulder of the road, facing the traffic flow. Use pedestrian bridges when they are available.

• Stop at the curb and look left, right, and left again for traffic.  Stopping at the curb signals drivers that you intend to cross. Always obey traffic signals.
• See and be seen. Drivers need to see you to avoid you.
• Make eye contact with drivers when crossing busy streets.
• Wear bright colors or reflective clothing if you are walking near traffic at night.
• Carry a flashlight when walking in the dark.
• Do not let kids play near traffic or cross the street by themselves.