Please follow these crosswalk safety tips from Mass.gov to ensure driver & pedestrian safety this holiday season

It get very dark this time of year and often cases, pedestrians can be harder to spot. Please follow these crosswalk safety tips from Mass.gov to ensure driver and pedestrian safety this holiday season: 

Know Crosswalk Law:

• Stop at Crosswalks — Massachusetts law says that drivers must stop at a crosswalk if a pedestrian is walking on that half of the road or is within 10 feet of crossing that half of the road.
• Don’t Pass Other Cars — You may not pass other vehicles that are stopped at a crosswalk to allow pedestrians to walk.
• Obey Speed Limits — Makes sure you follow posted speed limits near crosswalks. The school zone speed limit in Massachusetts is 20 miles per hour.

Drive Carefully Around Crosswalks:

• Look out for signs that you are near a crosswalk, such as pedestrian crossing signs, hand-held stop paddles, and the reflective vests that crossing guards wear.
• Slow down when approaching a crosswalk.
• Avoid distracted driving — don’t do things that will take your attention off the road like texting, emailing, surfing the web, or playing games on your phone.
• Look out for pedestrians at all times. Take extra care when you’re in areas with lots of pedestrians like school zones, parks, playgrounds, and bus stops.
• Try to make eye contact with pedestrians so you know that they see you. Just because you see them doesn’t mean they see you.
• Be aware that children and crossing guards may be blocked from view by buses or cars. Use caution around other vehicles.
• If you see a situation where crossing guards are exposed to traffic dangers, contact your local police department or school.                          

How to Cross the Street Safely:

• Look left, then right, then left again before crossing the street, even if you’re at a crosswalk or if there is a walk signal.
• Just because you can see a driver doesn’t mean the driver can see you. Try to make eye contact with approaching drivers so you know that they see you.
• Wait for drivers to stop before you start to cross the street.
• Use crosswalks and follow walk signals. Don’t cross in front of a parked car. Drivers won’t be able to see you behind the vehicle.
• Cross the street responsibly — don’t text, listen to music, or do anything else that will distract you. Stay aware of your surroundings and walk, don’t run, across the street.
• Be careful in parking lots, driveways, and other places where pedestrian crashes are common. Look for signs that a car is about to move or back up, such as rear lights, the sound of the motor, and wheels turning.
• Stay on sidewalks when possible. If there are none, walk facing traffic.
• Wear retro-reflective clothing when walking in the dark.