It is easy to improve pedestrian safety by wearing a reflector in the dark and using the pedestrian crossing when crossing the road where possible. Appropriate footwear for the weather conditions, especially when the roads are slippery, can reduce the risk of accidents.
There is an increased possibility of an accident if you are not wearing a reflector tag in the dark, are walking in slippery conditions or are under influence of alcohol. Each year, there are approximately 25 pedestrian fatalities and 400 injuries in road traffic. One out of eight pedestrian victims suffering physical injuries are children. People aged 64 and above are also a high risk group. Nearly two thirds of pedestrian fatalities and nine out of ten injuries occur in densely populated areas.
As a pedestrian you must use the pavement or shoulder when walking on the side of a road. If there is no pavement or shoulder, pedestrians must use the bicycle path or the side of the road. On roads, pedestrians are primarily recommended to use the left side to have a view of oncoming traffic. Pedestrian crossings should be used for crossing roads whenever possible.
Falling due to slippery streets is the most common type of pedestrian accident during winter. Approximately half of all pedestrians slipping and falling accidents happen to under the age of 30 and it usually happens in the immediate vicinity of our homes. Pedestrian falling accidents are not included in traffic accident statistics.
The most dangerous street conditions for pedestrians are when an icy surface is covered by dry snow, or when a layer of water forms on top of ice when it melts.
Slipping can be primarily prevented by pedestrians anticipating hazardous conditions on roads and streets, but the appropriate maintenance of pedestrian walkways is also important.
Wearing appropriate footwear for the weather conditions reduces the risk of accidents. When the conditions are particularly slippery, pedestrians are encouraged to wear anti-slip devices. They must have a type examination certificate indicated by a CE label.
