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Maybe you walk just for
fun or maybe shank’s mare is the way you get from place
to place. Maybe you like to walk because it gets you out into
the sunshine. Whatever your reasons for putting shoe leather
to asphalt, you could probably use some helpful reminders about
how to stay safe....
Adapted from a brochure
developed by the National Safety Council for its WALK ALERT program.
The Council's kind cooperation is gratefully acknowledged.
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Safety
for Older Adults |
Walking is one of the healthiest
ways for older adults to keep in shape. It can help lower blood pressure,
control weight and reduce the risk of diseases like diabetes and
colon cancer ( See “WALKING
AS A WAY OF LIFE”. ) While
walking is very good for your health, walking along or near busy streets
can be a bit tricky so you should know what to watch
out for.
You probably learned many of the basic rules for walking safely in childhood: Look before you cross the street. If you’re out after dark, wear white or something easy to see. Walk facing traffic. None of those basic rules have changed.
Be A Responsible Walker
• When you’re walking
along a road where there are no sidewalks, walk facing traffic
and stay as far to the left of the road as possible.
•
When you’re walking at night, it’s a good idea to wear reflective clothing
and carry a lighted flashlight. As an added precaution, you might want to consider
wearing a vest or arm bands that have retro-reflective properties. That means
special apparel that comes in florescent colors like neon green or orange and
reflects well at night.
• You already know that drinking and driving don’t mix. Well, drinking and walking
don’t mix either. Whether you’re on foot or in a car, stay off the road if you’ve
been drinking. For older adults, certain medications may impair judgment or cause
dizziness or blurred vision. If any of this is a concern to you, play it safe,
and put your feet up at home.
 Be Aware at Busy Intersections
Busy intersections can be especially challenging for older adults.
• Always stop at the curb or the edge of the road before crossing.
•
Search for oncoming traffic by looking left, then right, and then left again,
before entering the street.
•
This one might seem obvious: if a car is coming, wait until it’s passed
and then make sure the coast is clear before stepping off the curb. Motorists
are required to yield to you if you’re in the street, but you can’t
depend on that happening. Keep a constant look-out for approaching cars as you
cross the street.
•
Most states allow motorists to make a right turn on a red light. Many times,
however, motorists will simply slow down to make a right turn on red, rather
than stopping completely. Before you cross the street, look over your shoulder
to make sure no cars are turning into your path.
•
If parked cars or other obstacles block your view of oncoming traffic, take a
few cautious steps forward until you can see clearly, then do your left-right-left
search.
•
If you’re already in the crosswalk when the “DON’T WALK” sign
begins to flash, continue to make your way safely to the opposite side. If the “DON’T
WALK” sign flashes and you’re still on the curb, stay there and wait
for the “WALK” sign.
Be Safe in the Middle of the Block
If you must cross somewhere other than at a light, keep these two rules in mind:
• Stop at the edge of the curb and look for oncoming traffic.
•
If parked cars obstruct your view, walk to the edge of the parked vehicles and
look left, then right, then left again before proceeding into the street.
Drivers and pedestrians must
share the road at times. When you use safe step-off techniques and
wear the proper clothing, you make drivers respect your presence.
Be alert and be defensive. If you follow all of these rules when
walking in high traffic areas, you’ll be able to enjoy all
of the health benefits of a great exercise and stay safe doing it.
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