Walk This Way: 6 Pedestrian Safety Tips

Carmel-By-The-Sea is especially well-suited to walking adventures. Shops, restaurants, cafes and galleries line both sides of the thoroughfare, the city provides ample pedestrian cross walks, the appropriate street signage, and good visibility for drivers, but something about that straight, beautiful, scenic drive down Ocean Avenue can lull drivers into a dreamy-cruising groove, and places pedestrians in the cross-hairs. Don’t put yourself, the kids, or your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel at risk — follow these tips, and stroll responsibly.

1. Put Down The Phone. Your best friend wants to hang out when you get back from your vacation, and preferably not in the hospital, right? They won’t mind a 30 second break from the conversation.

2. Look Both Ways. Wait. Look Both Ways Again. We learned this in elementary school, and it’s still true. The beautiful scenery and window displays across the street may hinder your first-glance assessment of the road conditions. If you’ve been sipping spirits, be sure to take an extra moment to look for potential distracted drivers on the horizon. The easiest way to know if they’re distracted;

3. Make Eye Contact. Studies prove that eye contact with drivers provides way more insight to the car’s next move than watching the car itself. Plus, this gives you the opportunity to throw a little smile and wave to the courteous driver that lets you pass.

4. Hold Hands for Safety. This rule mostly applies to those of you traveling with children, but feel free to use it as an excuse to grab onto your honey, as well. On more than one occasion, I’ve been “saved” by a quick jerk back to the sidewalk from my heroic fiancee, which wouldn’t have been necessary had I been following the previous rules, but, like a magpie, shiny objects tend to be my downfall, and lots of children share this trait, so hold on tight to your little chicka-dees.

5. Join A Crossing Brigade. Aside from wrapping yourself in reflective tape, this is the easiest way to become more visible to oncoming traffic. One person can be nearly invisible. Two are slightly more conspicuous, but cross with five or more and your almost-guaranteed a safe passage.

6. Chill Out. You’re on one of the most beautiful streets in California. Instead of cursing the cars that ignore your pedestrian rights, take a moment to breath, appreciate where you are, gather your thoughts, and peacefully plan your next move.

As always, feel free to contribute your experiences and thoughts in the comments, especially if you have a safety tip that I forgot to include.