According to National Transport Safety Authority (NTSA) in Kenya, a pedestrian was killed every 85 minutes in traffic crashes in 2019 and deaths have increased every year. According to NTSA, accidents fatalities have increase by 26% and injuries by 46.5% from 2015 to 2020 while many others are not reported. Accidents are the leading cause of injuries and deaths among pedestrians and account for over 80% of deaths in the city according to ResearchGate. Pedestrian safety is key in preventing pedestrian traffic crashes.
Stay Alert
In the city, stay alert, avoid staring at billboards, big screens, or people who can distract your mind. Avoid idling or roaming carelessly in the city. Keep alert at all times and avoid electronic devices that take your eyes and ears off the road. Avoid using electronic devices such as phones, computers, or earphones when on the road. If you have used alcohol or drugs, avoid walking on busy streets. Electronic devices, drugs, and alcohol cause distractions and impair judgment and coördination when using the road. An accident happens in a fraction of a second, keep off your earphone when crossing the roads for alerts such as car hoots, bicycles bells, or any other alerts.
Choose Your Route Wisely
Choose a less congested street. When walking in the city, it is good to choose a less congested route to your destination to avoid traffic crashes between pedestrian to pedestrian or pedestrian to vehicles. Avoid streets with a high number of matatus termini, cars, and pedestrians because most of the accidents happen when there is congestion and everyone is trying to find a way out. Cross the road on designated areas such as zebra crossings, pedestrian footbridges, or underpasses.
Organize Your Day
Before going to the city for shopping, visiting a friend, or tour, confirm directions before leaving. Make sure you know the direction to the place, understand the traffic situation, and the best route with limited congestion. Do not walk when drunk or on drugs because they impair your abilities and judgment. If you are walking at night, increase your visibility by carrying a flashlight and wearing reflective clothing, such as reflective vests. At night, walk facing the traffic, so you can see and reacts to oncoming vehicles.
Abide By the Traffic Rules
You should stick to designated crossing areas that are identifiable and where drivers expect pedestrians to cross. Make sure you understand and follow the rules of the road, traffic lights and obey signs and signals. When crossing streets at crosswalks, junctions, or intersections, look for cars in all directions, including those turning left or right. Do not rely on traffic lights or police alone, confirm before crossing. If a road doesn’t have a crossing point, find a well-lit area, not around corners where you have the best view of traffic. Before crossing, wait until a gap in traffic is wide enough to allow enough time to cross safely, and continue watching for traffic as you cross.
Drivers Don’t See You
Don’t expect drivers to see you, some are in deep thoughts, others are in a hurry while others might be distracted while driving. Never assume a driver sees you, look for eye contact with drivers as they approach, make sure you are seen. The driver should be alert and able to see you before crossing.
Look Around Stopped Vehicles
Be visible at all times, do not squeeze between moving vehicles. Wear bright clothing during the day, and wear reflective materials or use a flashlight at night. You should watch for cars entering or exiting driveways, or backing up in parking lots to avoid unexpected crashes.
Walk on sidewalks
It is important to use the sidewalks or off-road paths and not the street to avoid colliding with cars. If there is no sidewalk, walk facing traffic, so you can see and react to oncoming vehicles, and stay far from traffic as possible.
Be Aware of Your Surroundings
When walking with kids to church, market, or school, make sure you watch over them. Keep your children under strict supervision whilst on the road and teach them road safety measures. If you are carrying luggage, make sure it is properly packaged to avoid colliding with other road users.
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