Walk Smart - Arrive Alive DE
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Be Safe. Think on Your Feet.

Your safety as a pedestrian on Delaware’s busy roads is in your hands – and your feet!

Walk Smart

Color Me Safe

A pedestrian crash course on visibility.

Pete is walking at night. Choose a color for his shirt. Then hit START to learn if a driver, traveling at 40 MPH, will see him in time to stop, if necessary.

Source

All data presented here are for educational purposes only and may be subject to change based on real-world variables that may impact outcomes.

At 40 MPH, a driver needs 164 feet to stop.

Stopping Distance Calculator

See how long it takes to stop – you might be surprised. Choose your vehicle's speed.

Dashboard speedometer

Effects on the road

silhouette of car
exclamation point
Reaction Distance (1.5 seconds)
Braking Distance
 
silhoutte of child in the road

Walk Bright at Night.

Smart pedestrians do whatever it takes to be noticed at night. Carry a flashlight. Wear reflective gear. Always use the crosswalk. And glow as you go!

 

A pedestrian struck by a car going 20 mph has a 5% chance of death.

At 40 mph, that rises to 85%.

 

Make Del Aware of how to walk smart.

Del is traveling the blue hen state on foot. Help him make the right choices for a safe journey!

Del comes to a crosswalk (the safest place to cross!)
If I cross with the light, I know I'm safe!
Del's got a new playlist.
This would be a great time to listen!
There's no sidewalk here.
Hmm. I think I'm supposed to walk facing traffic.
Del can't find a crosswalk. He'll have to cross mid-road.
At least I've got the right of way!
Night's falling. It's getting harder for drivers to see Del.
I need to make myself more visible!
Del is celebrating a great day!
I don't have to worry about walking impaired.

Make Del Aware of how to walk smart.

MYTH OR FACT?

Teach Children the Facts of Safe Walking

Here are some common myths that children may believe about walking. Make sure they know the facts.

CHECK THE FACTS

MYTH:

A green light means it's safe to cross.

A green light means you should stop and search for cars. Look Left-Right-Left for traffic before stepping off the curb. And then continue looking left and right.

MYTH:

You are safe in a crosswalk.

You may cross at a crosswalk, but you must always look first.

MYTH:

If you see the driver, the driver sees you.

The driver may not see you. Make sure the driver stops before you cross the street.

MYTH:

The driver will stop if you are in the crosswalk or at a traffic signal.

The driver may not see you and may not stop. Wait for the vehicle to stop.

When you are Walking

Follow the law and make smart decisions to keep yourself safe.

  • Cross Lawfully.

    Cross only at crosswalks or intersections with signals or traffic signs.

  • Be Predictable.

    Follow the rules and obey signs and signals.

  • Look Carefully.

    Watch for cars coming from all directions.

  • Avoid Distractions.

    Turn off handheld devices when crossing the street.

  • Be Visible.

    When walking at night, carry a flashlight and wear reflective items.

  • Use Sidewalks.

    If there isn’t one, walk facing traffic, as far from traffic as possible.

  • Be Patient.

    Wait for cars to stop before stepping into a crosswalk.

  • Be Sober.

    Do not walk under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

  • Never Assume.

    Make sure drivers see you by making eye contact before walking.

When you are Driving

Follow the law and watch out for pedestrians to avoid a tragic collision.

  • Yield to Pedestrians.

    It’s the law at both marked and unmarked crosswalks.

  • Be on the Lookout.

    Safety is a shared responsibility.

  • Follow the Speed Limit.

    Especially in school zones and where people are present.

  • Slow Down.

    Reduce your speed in hard-to-see conditions, such as nighttime and bad weather.

  • Stop Well Back at Crosswalks.

    This allows other vehicles to see pedestrians, too.

  • Be Alert.

    Watch out especially for pedestrians that are distracted, confused or incapacitated.

  • Never Pass Vehicles Stopped at a Crosswalk.

    There may be people crossing that you can’t see.

  • Be Extra Cautious Backing Up.

    Pedestrians can move into your path.

  • Be Sober.

    Don’t drive under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.

What causes pedestrian collisions in Delaware?

  • Dark Conditions

    Most pedestrian collisions happen during the day...

    Total Incidents

    Daylight
    53%
    Dark-lighted
    26%
    Dark / unlighted
    15%
    Dusk
    3%
    Dawn
    1%
    Unknown
    1%
    Dark / lighting unknown
    1%

    ...but the fatal ones happen mainly at night

    Fatal Incidents

    Dark / unlighted
    55%
    Dark-lighted
    27%
    Daylight
    15%
    Dusk
    3%
    Unknown
    1%

    So dress brightly so you can be seen!

  • Alcohol Use

    Alcohol was a factor in 12% of all pedestrian collisions.

    1,752 Total Incidents

    No
    88%
    Yes
    12%

    Among fatal crashes, it was a factor 53% of the time.

    144 Fatal Incidents

    Yes
    53%
    No
    47%

    Walking under the influence of alcohol or drugs can be fatal.

  • Speed

    While 62% of all pedestrian collisions happen at 35 mph or less...

    Total Incidents

    <35MPH
    61%
    ≥35MPH
    38%
    Unknown
    1%

    86% of fatal crashes happen at speeds greater than 35 mph.

    Fatal Incidents

    ≥35MPH
    86%
    <35MPH
    14%

    When walking, you can be injured or killed by a collision at any speed limit. Be alert and use crosswalks!

BICYCLE SAFETY: RIDING SMART IS AS IMPORTANT AS WALKING SMART

Here are some informative links to help you and your family ride safely in Delaware:

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