Walking—most humans are experts by age three. Although it may seem like second-nature, many of us still make fools of ourselves while on the move. While the occasional trip-up may be unavoidable, remembering to walk safely can actually help avoid major accidents and injuries.
Here are six ways to slow down, look around and step safely.
1. Head up, phone down
While our society has proclaimed texting and driving a crime punishable by heavy fines and even jail time, texting while walking has been considered merely an annoying and inconsiderate habit. The safety of our walkways is jeopardized by cell phones in the hands of walkers and drivers alike.
While your pace is slower when walking, distracted strides can still result in injury. According to a Governors Highway Safety Association report, there were nearly 6,000 pedestrian fatalities in 2017. Many of these accidents could have been avoided by open, focused eyes.
When on the side of the highway, walking down the hallway to your office or pacing your kitchen at home—your head should be up, evaluating your surroundings, whether they are new or familiar.
2. Open ears
Listening to music or podcasts while walking can be just as jeopardizing as looking at your phone. With headphones in you lose the ability to hear a car horn, a stranger’s approaching footsteps or someone attempting to warn you of a hazard.
Instead, listen for the birds and keep your ears open.
3. Be visible
Blind corners, blind spots and evening sunlight can inhibit drivers from seeing pedestrians—even those walking on appropriate walkways. Sport your brightest 90s windbreaker, scoot to the visible side of the road and make eye contact with drivers to ensure they’ve seen you before stepping near their vehicle.
4. Crosswalks—use them
Hop across the white bars and make friends with your local crossing guard. Cars approach quickly and might not be looking for a pedestrian crossing halfway down a city block. On top of that, jaywalking is illegal and can result in a fine. Get a few more steps in by reaching a crosswalk first.
5. Take a friend
A walking partner provides good conversation during your lunch-break jaunt, an extra pair of eyes and ears along the highway, increased visibility for drivers passing by and even protection when walking at night.
Walking alone at night is a known safety hazard. Asking a trusted individual to walk with you to your car or down the street is never an inconvenience. Groups of people can help dissuade someone who might otherwise approach and harm someone walking alone.
6. Posture
If you’re walking for exercise or simply to get to work, evaluate your posture to make sure it’s actually helping your body instead of damaging it.
You should stand straight and keep your chin parallel to the ground. Pull your shoulders back slightly to open your chest, then shrug a few times to help relax your shoulder muscles. Keeping your arms in motion is an easy way to add speed and burn more calories. However, you should avoid obnoxious movement, as seen in popular culture—that motion does not benefit your posture or stride. When stepping, be sure to strike the ground first with your heel, then roll through the step from heel to toe before pushing off with your toe.
Now that you’re an expert—get stepping!