With the recent uptick in pedestrians and bikers being hit by cars, we’d like to remind everyone to be as safe as possible while walking in Berkeley. Drivers are more distracted than ever so walkers need to be proactively defensive pedestrians. This time of year with shorter hours of daylight presents additional risks.

Suggestions:

1. Look ’em in the eye! Even though cars are supposed to stop for pedestrians in crosswalks, it’s a good idea to catch the eye of the driver of any car that is near your intersection. Give them a nice wave and make sure they see you before stepping off the sidewalk. Stop signs do not always mean the car will stop.

2. Don’t jaywalk! This one is obvious, but the temptation to dash across the street midblock is one to resist.

3. Stop lights are best! Berkeley has a lot of crosswalks without traffic lights on pretty busy streets (MLK, Euclid, Marin, Shattuck, and San Pablo all come to mind). Even if you have to walk an extra block to get to a traffic light crossing, it will be safer. Plus, you’ll get more steps on your Fitbit!

4. Sun blindness is real! When the sun is rising or setting, drivers might not see you in a crosswalk. Should a car stop if they can’t see the road? Yes. Do they? You have to assume no.

5. Light yourself up! Wearing light-colored, reflective clothing or carrying a flashlight when walking at night (or even at dusk) will help cars see that you’re there.

6. Heads up, phone down! Don’t be a distracted walker. Make sure you are alert to traffic as you cross the street by not being occupied with your devices.