Motorists – When Driving
Stop for Pedestrians. It’s the law.
According to NC General Statute § 20-173, where traffic control signals are not in place or in operation, a driver MUST yield the right-of-way, slowing down or stopping if need be to so yield, to pedestrian crossing the roadway within any marked crosswalk or within any unmarked crosswalk at or near an intersection.
Don’t Drive Distracted
Keep your eyes – and mind – on the road. Distracted driving accounts for 22% of all collisions in North Carolina.
Give Bikes and Pedestrians Four Feet
You must keep a safe distance when passing a bicyclists or a pedestrian on or close to the roadway. It is perfectly legal to change lanes to do so. Even on a double yellow line.
Speeding accounts for 33% of all collisions in North Carolina. Speed limits are set in place for everyone’s safety.
Look Right Before You Turn Right
We are used to looking left before we make a right turn. You should make a habit of looking right as well to look for bicyclists and pedestrians.
Don’t Block the Crosswalk
A crosswalk is a buffer of protection for anyone not in a car. When coming to a red light or stop sign, your vehicle should be behind the crosswalk.
Bicyclists – When Biking
Use hand signals and make eye contact with drivers.
Ride With Traffic
Cyclists should always ride on the right side of the street.
Wear a Helmet and Use Lights
Cyclists of all ages should always wear a helmet. When riding at night, your bicycle should be equipped with a white light in the front and a red light on the back.
Don’t Bike With Headphones
In order to hear sirens, vehicles, and be focused on your safety, you should not wear headphones or ear buds while cycling.
Obey the Rules of The Road
Stop at red lights and yield to pedestrians. Bicyclists should not think they are exempt from traffic laws.
Pedestrians – When Walking
Cross In Expected Locations
Cross the street an intersection or crosswalk when possible.
Make Eye Contact with Drivers
Be certain that a driver sees you. Don’t assume that because you can see them, the driver can see you.
Don’t Walk Distracted
Pay attention to your surroundings at all times.
Make Yourself Visible
Don’t step out behind a parked vehicle. Wear bright colors and have a light at night. When walking along a street that has parking lot entrances or driveways, walk in manner in which you are most likely to be noticed by vehicles entering and exiting.
Use the Built Infrastructure
Always use sidewalks, signals, and crosswalks when available. This infrastructure is intended to keep you safe. If the sidewalk is on the opposite side of the street as your destination, use the sidewalk until you reach an appropriate place to cross. If there is no sidewalk, walk against traffic.