Are you a safe pedestrian?

Shocking figures show 63 pedestrians have lost their lives on the road between 2009 and 2013.

Despite numerous warnings and reminders of the dangers the figure for 2014 already stands at 15.

Drunken pedestrians are a danger to themselves and other road users.

Alcohol slows reaction times, impacts upon your judgement and decision making, including increasing risk taking behaviour.

If you have had one too many, don’t attempt to walk – use a taxi, public transport or get a lift from a designated driver.

Certain types of drugs can affect the central nervous system and/or can cause hallucinations. The ability of the brain to make decisions can become distorted.

You may not be able to judge the speed of vehicles or estimate their distance from you, all of which will increase your risk of injury on the road.

Even just looking at other people, never mind talking on your phone, can distract your attention from the road.

As part of our “Take Care Get There” campaign we are giving you some simple steps to keep safe when out walking.

A lot of road safety is just plain common sense, but sometimes we have other things on our minds and common sense takes a back seat!

Although you can’t be responsible for the way people drive, you can take a number of steps to make yourself safer as a pedestrian:

 - stop, look and listen

 - don’t try to cross the road between parked cars

 - if possible, cross at a pedestrian crossing or traffic lights

 - never cross at a bend

 - if there is a footpath, use it

If there is no footpath walk/run/jog on the right hand side of the road, facing oncoming traffic and keep as close as possible to the side of the road

wear fluorescent clothing during the day and reflective clothing at night

If you have to cross a road there is a safe way to do so.

Zebra crossings, traffic islands, footbridges, subways and traffic lights are there for a reason.

Don’t assume vehicles on the roads have seen you at crossing points. Always make sure the traffic has stopped before you start to cross.

Always cross between the studs or over the zebra markings.

Do not cross at the side of the crossing or on the zigzag lines, as it can be dangerous.

You must not loiter on zebra, pelican, toucan, or puffin crossings.