Health Tip: Stay Safe as a Pedestrian

You’ve probably heard of “distracted driving,” but what about “distracted walking?”

Largely due to the immense popularity of cell phones, pedestrian deaths reached nearly 6,000 in the United States last year, a 9 percent jump over 2015, the National Safety Council says.

Walking remains a great way to get healthy exercise, but you should keep your “head up and phone down” during your stroll, the council urges.

Here are its recommendations:

Look left, right and left again before crossing the street.
Make sure drivers see you by making eye contact. Remember that vehicles have blind spots.
Don’t wear headphones while walking.
Never use a cell phone or other electronic device while walking.
Never assume a car will stop for you.
Children younger than 10 should cross the street with an adult.
Cross the street only at a designated crosswalk.
Wear bright or reflective clothing.
Walk in groups.

Source: HealthDay