Crossing Streets

Here are some things to consider doing. Some items may not be applicable to you.


This checklist is designed primarily to help teach children how to cross a street safely

Well before crossing:

  • Be aware that getting hit by a vehicle, even one going slowly, can kill or seriously hurt you
  • Be aware that people/kids just like you have been killed and almost certainly will be killed while crossing streets
  • Ask an older person to help you
  • Determine the safest place to cross, usually a crosswalk which (safest listed first):
    • Has a safety patrol and an adult to control vehicles and pedestrians
    • Is at a traffic light, preferably with a safety patrol, etc.
    • Is at a STOP sign, preferably with a safety patrol, etc.
    • Has a flashing yellow light in both directions
    • Is well marked as a school crosswalk
    • Allows clear visibility in all directions (e.g., no sharp curves), so you can see vehicles coming and drivers can see you
  • Remember that painted lines can’t stop a vehicle

If you can’t find a crosswalk:

  • Don’t cross street near parked vehicles
  • Look for a corner

If it is rainy and/or foggy:

  • Be especially careful

Right before crossing:

  • Stay well back from the curb until you’re ready to cross – so vehicles will know when they should stop to let you cross

If there is no safety patrol or adult controlling vehicles and pedestrians at the crosswalk:

  • Go to the curb
  • Stop at the curb

If there is a traffic light and/or WALK/DON’T WALK signs:

  • Start to cross only when the WALK light first comes on and/or approaching vehicles first get a red light
  • Look to your left

When looking for vehicles approaching the crosswalk

  • Look at the drivers of vehicles to ensure they see you and to see if they indicate with a wave that they’ll wait for you to cross
  • Look for vehicles which could be turning towards you

After vehicles coming from the left have stopped or if there are no vehicles approaching from the left

  • Look to your right

After vehicles coming from the right have stopped or if there are no vehicles approaching from the right:

  • Look to your left again
  • Listen for approaching vehicles

After vehicles from both directions have stopped or if there are no vehicles approaching and if you don’t hear any vehicles approaching:

  • Walk (don’t run!) a few feet into the crosswalk
  • Look in both directions again, especially for vehicles which could go around vehicles which are stopped because the drivers can’t see you

If it is still safe:

  • Walk (don’t run) almost halfway across the street
  • Stop
  • Look to your right again, especially for vehicles which might go around vehicles which are stopped because the drivers can’t see you

If it is still safe:

  • Continue across the street while continuing to look both ways for vehicles
  • Consider waving to drivers who stopped to thank them


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Thanks for reading!