Winter walking tips

The following helpful guidelines for walking during the winter months were posted in the Sun Newspapers, by Anna Woodwick (Winter walking tips form senior commission).

• When walking in a roadway, walk facing oncoming traffic (usually on the left) so you may take evasive action , if necessary.
• Before stepping into a street, always stop and look left, right and then left again in order to see all oncoming traffic.
• Even when you have a green light or "walk" signal permitting you to cross the street, watch for inattentive drivers.
• Dress to be seen by drivers. During dusk and later evening hours, wear reflective or light colored clothing and carry a flashlight. (Editors note: headlamps work well)
• Make full eye contact with a driver before stepping in front of a vehicle.
• Be careful in parking lots and garages. Watch for backup lights and listen for engine noise.
• Walk defensively. Many drivers fail to yield to pedestrians in crosswalks, even though they are required to do so.
• Don't be distracted by using cell phones, earphones, iPods or other electronic devises.