Walking Safely at Night

Ahhh, autumn. A time to take strolls in the crisp early evening hours now that the days are shorter. A time for nighttime football games, too. Also a time for kiddies to be scampering around neighborhoods trick-or-treating. Those same kids might also be walking in the early morning hours to catch the school bus while it is still dark outside.

It’s a time to walk safely. Here are some tips:

Choose the safest, most well lit, route; note availability of sidewalks, crossing guards, street lamps, and traffic lights.

Be alert; listening to a device like an ipod or chatting on the cell phone can be distracting. You might not hear the runaway car careening toward you, the ferocious dog, or the mugger.

Be visible and noticeable; wear bright clothing and hats, reflective sports clothing is even better.

Always walk with a buddy or a group.

Walk on the sidewalk. If you must walk along the roadway, walk on the side facing traffic.

Carry a flashlight. When vehicles approach, swing the flashlight side to side (vs. front to back which can cause a confusing dazzling-light effect to the driver), from your body then away. Do it the way air-men directing planes do with their flashing lights, indicating which way the plane is to go. If you swing side to side, you are indicating to the driver to “go around” you and the vehicle will instinctively move away from you. This will make the driver much more aware of your safety. A flashlight can also serve as a weapon against an attack from a person or animal. In daylight, consider carrying some form of other protection like mace or pepper spray.

In a parking lot (day or night), don’t walk too close behind a backing vehicle, assuming the driver can see you. He probably doesn’t. Avoid getting too close even if you think you can “make it” past before he fully backs up. Vehicles have been known to buck. People have been known to “pop the clutch” sending the vehicle flying. Sometimes, if a driver in reverse gets startled by your sudden presence in their rear window, he may panic, or get confused. In turn he could attempt to step (or stomp!) on the brake, but accidentally step on the gas pedal instead, running you down. It is better to just steer clear rather than assume someone sees you.

Lastly, for safety, it’s always a good idea to let someone know the route you’re taking so that they’ll know where to look for you it trouble does occur or if weather problems strike, like a sudden lightning storm.

So, stay safe and get walking!

Diva Kimbling
The Quest for the Holy Veil, Berkley Books

Do you have any additional walking safety tips? Please share them in the comments section!