Pedestrian Safety Tips

South Florida residents have the pleasure of enjoying great weather year round and can often take advantage of this with outdoor activities. Whether you are going for a walk or a family bicycle ride, we hope that these pedestrian safety tips will keep you and your family safe.

Stay Alert

• Avoid wearing headphones because they may limit your ability to hear traffic sounds like cars honking and emergency sirens. 
• Texting and talking on the phone can also be a distraction.
• Florida is known for its sudden rain showers. In the event that it begins to storm, use extra caution as roads can become slippery quickly. 

Have Proper Gear

• If you are out at night or in the evening, be sure to have proper reflectors on your bike and wear bright and fluorescent clothing so that you may be seen by drivers.
• ​Be sure to wear helmets, knee pads, and elbow pads – they are not just for the kids.
• All bicycle riders under the age of 16 are required by Florida Law to wear a helmet. 

Follow Traffic Rules (Florida Statute §316.130) 

• Always use sidewalks and crosswalks when provided. When you reach a crosswalk, be sure to come to a complete stop and look both ways before moving forward. 
• ​Pedestrians should also walk on the left side of the road facing traffic, which will approach from the opposite direction when sidewalks are not provided.
• Obey the traffic control signals at intersections unless directed otherwise by a police officer.

For Drivers

• ​Florida law states pedestrians have the right-of-way in a crosswalk with a walk signal. Pedestrians also have the right-of-way in a crosswalk when traffic control signals are not in place or operating correctly and there is no signage indicating otherwise.
• ​Watch for pedestrians and drive the posted speed limit.
• Never pass cars stopped at a crosswalk.

In 2020, there were 483 pedestrian accidents in Palm Beach County, of which 44 pedestrian crashes resulted in a fatality, according to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles.  If you were involved in a pedestrian accident, call pedestrian accident attorney Cynthia Simpson-Cannon at 561-721-6255. She has the expertise and knowledge to handle your case. She puts her clients first through dedicated and passionate representation.