STOP, LOOK AND WAVE PEDESTRIAN SAFETY

Ridgewood Public Schools, Federated Home and School Association and the Village of Ridgewood wants to keep pedestrians safe.

STOP-LOOK-WAVE - BE SAFE-BE SEEN is a campaign designed to keep everyone safe by reminding drivers and pedestrians to look out for each other. Please read and follow the tips below.

PEDESTRIANS

STOP – Stop at the corner before you cross. Never cross mid-block. Cross at an intersection. Every intersection is a legal crosswalk, even if it is not painted.

LOOK - Put away any devices and look left, right and left again. Be sure to look behind you for any vehicles that might be approaching (75% of pedestrian crashes involve left turning vehicles).  Listen for any sounds coming from vehicles that might not be in your view.

WAVE – Make eye contact and wave at drivers in or near the intersection.  Wait for them to wave back and/or make eye contact before you begin to cross the street. Continue to look left, right and left again while crossing.

DRIVERS

STOP - Stop if you see a pedestrian at an intersection. Every intersection is a legal crosswalk, even if it is not marked. Once a pedestrian steps into the intersection, they have the right of way.

LOOK - Look for pedestrians as you approach intersections. Be especially careful if you are turning left. Left turning drivers account for 75% of all pedestrian crashes.  5 MPH is a safe turning speed.

WAVE – Wave to pedestrians to acknowledge that you see them and that you will wait for them to cross.  Proceed after making sure that no other pedestrians have entered the crosswalk.

BE SAFE - BE SEEN

• Wear colorful, reflective clothing to be more visible to drivers.
• Always walk on the sidewalk.
• Watch for vehicles backing out of driveways and parking lots.
• Do not be distracted. Phones and headphones should not be used while walking.
• While driving, avoid using your phone, even with Bluetooth.  Handsfree is not risk-free.

LINKS TO SAFETY INFORMATION FOR PEDESTRIANS, BICYCLISTS AND DRIVERS

YouTube videos on skills for safe walking ages 5 - 18

Distracted Driving Information - Handsfree is Not Risk Free Infographic

Distracted Driving YouTube Video - Handsfree is not risk free

Teaching Children to Walk Safely as they Grow and Develop

YouTube videos on Skills for Safe Bicycling Ages 5 - 18