“We’ve all seen cars drive right past someone crossing the street in a marked crosswalk, ” says Paul Gunzelman, Traffic Engineer for the City of Wichita. “And we’ve all seen someone jaywalk when there is a traffic signal only 50 feet way, too. A little carelessness on either side, and the results can be deadly.”

Kansas traffic law gives pedestrians the right of way in marked and unmarked crosswalks, but it is still important to look both ways before stepping into the street. Motorists may be focused on cross traffic, making a turn or getting through the intersection before the light changes, and not see the pedestrian about to cross the street.

“Legally having the right of way is no guarantee that a driver will yield it to you,” says Gunzelman. “You just can’t take pedestrian safety for granted.”

Many car-pedestrian (or car-bicycle) accidents happen where pedestrians and cyclists are both using the traveled portion of the street, often in dim light situations, such as during an early-morning jog or after dark. Pedestrians may see the vehicle and assume that the visibility works both ways – when it does not.

“The tendency is to think of school kids when you mention pedestrian safety, but adults need to be educated too,” says Gunzelman.

To reduce the risk of accidents, Gunzelman recommends that pedestrians take the following precautions:

• ALWAYS use the sidewalk where available. (Cyclists should use bike paths where they are available.)
• Wear reflective clothing when it is dark, and/or carry a flashlight.
• Walk/bike with a friend or partner if possible.

Where no sidewalk or bike path is available:

• Walk facing traffic.  (Cyclists are required by law to travel with traffic.)
• Cross at marked or signalized crosswalks whenever they are available
• ALWAYS look both ways before stepping into a street.
• Make eye contact with a driver to assure that the driver has actually seen you, before stepping into the path of a car.

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