Article Table of Contents
Pay Attention to Your Surroundings
Walk This Way
There aren’t many things more relaxing than a casual stroll in the middle of a stressful day.
Often times, it is not a particularly strenuous activity.
It doesn’t take much experience, and frankly it doesn’t seem to require very much thought.
However, there are precious few things that one can truly take completely for granted.
Walking is not one of them.
Taking a leisurely stroll around town doesn’t sound very dangerous, but if the conditions were just right, it could potentially lead to severe injury or perhaps even death.
The professionals at Arrowhead Clinic Duluth want you to stay as safe as possible while enjoying this simple luxury.
The following post highlights five simple tips to help keep your constitutionals free from dangers and stay enjoyable.
1. Pay attention to your surroundings.
One of the pleasures associated with taking a walk is the opportunity to slow down and take in all of your surroundings.
As nice as that is, it is unfortunately not the type of surroundings I am referring to.
Pedestrians often think they are safe because they are not a part of traffic.
However, this is not inherently true.
When walking on the side of the road, a driver could very easily swerve and hit you.
It is not unknown for a car to jump a curb and hit a pedestrian.
Not to mention any number of other potential dangers unassociated with drivers.
These can vary as far as tripping over an untied shoe lace to objects falling on you from third story windows.
By and large, it is always a good idea to keep an eye on ones surroundings.
You’ll enjoy your walk more, and you’ll be safer.
2. Make sure you are seen.
Sometimes it is not enough that you are the one being responsible by watching your surroundings.
It’s not just yourself you have to worry about, but the others you are sharing the road with.
You need to ensure that they are taking as much notice of you, as you are of them.
This can be done in a multitude of different ways.
If you are walking on the road, stay as far to the right hand side as possible.
Avoid wearing dull colors that may potentially blend into your surroundings.
Wear bright colors and designs to stand out and be noticed by passing motorists.
Try to limit your walks to the daytime hours, and avoid walking on the road at night.
If it is unavoidable, try wearing reflective materials.
A neon shirt or perhaps reflector tape will help you stay visible during the night.
As a pedestrian a good rule to follow is to assume that no one will take notice of you until you make them.
3. Know where you are going
It’s tempting to be adventurous when out walking and exploring.
The lure of the unknown is strong when one is walking without a specific purpose.
However, as pleasant as this is, it can also prove to be quite dangerous.
When walking out in nature, please stick to the paths that are posted unless you are truly intimately familiar with the area.
Even then, if something were to happen that requires you rely on outside help you want to make sure you can be found easily.
This is equally as important in the city.
It doesn’t matter where you are from or what city you call your own.
Every metropolitan area has its rough places.
When enjoying your stroll, take care not to wander anywhere that makes you feel uncomfortable or unsafe.
If you must pass through such areas, take care not to linger for too long.
4. Obey Traffic Rules
We all know that pedestrians have the right of way.
However, that does not mean that pedestrians will always be safe when executing this right.
It is important for pedestrians to take care to follow the rules as they are enjoying their walk.
Only cross at designated crossing areas.
Jaywalking is always a very bad idea.
There have been countless occurrences of a pedestrian being positive it is safe to cross in the middle of the road, only to find that their beliefs to be less than accurate.
When utilizing a crossing signal be sure to only begin crossing when the sign says so.
Do not begin crossing, but finish what you’ve started when it begins to flash.
Do not cross when it clearly states “Do not cross.”
When there is a person acting as a crossing guard directing pedestrian traffic, always listen implicitly to their instructions.
Taking precautions like these will not only keep you safe while crossing, but everyone driving as well.
5. Stay in Communication
Unfortunately, even when all the precautions have been taken and all rules have been listened too, accidents still happen.
No one ever expects it to happen to them, but when it does the results are devastating.
Nothing can be done to undo whatever has occurred.
However, the way one responds to such tragedies can mean the difference between life and death.
Always carry a cell phone with you when out walking, especially when in unfamiliar territory.
However, if you are really opposed to carrying a cell phone, at least tell someone where you are going and establish a firm return time.
This way, if the worst should occur, you wont be completely left alone to fend for yourself.
Conclusion
It’s regrettable that something as simple as a leisurely stroll in your hometown needs to have so many precautions and concerns associated with it.
However, luck favors the prepared.
By taking heed of these suggestions and being smart with your decisions, you will be less likely to have an unfortunate occurrence as a result.
However, in the event of a pedestrian injury, the chiropractic care professionals at Arrowhead Clinic Duluth want to ensure that all of your needs are being taken care of.
If you unfortunately are the victim of a pedestrian accident, pay us a visit for a free consultation.
Together we’ll work to get you back on your feet.
