SAFETY TALKS

Everyone has seen the commercials and the billboards warning people of the dangers of texting while driving. What about the dangers of using a cellphone while walking? There are many videos online of individuals who are distracted while walking and end up injured. While some of these videos can be innocent and funny, the consequences of this unsafe act can be severe.

Follow these tips to stay safe as a pedestrian:

• Stay alert – avoid cell phone use and wearing earbuds
• Whenever possible, walk on the sidewalk; if no sidewalk is available, walk facing traffic
• Follow the rules of the road, obeying all traffic signs and signals
• Cross streets at crosswalks
• If no crosswalk is available and your view is blocked, move to a place where you can see oncoming traffic
• Look left, right and left again before crossing the street, making eye contact with drivers of oncoming vehicles to make sure they see you
• Wear bright and/or reflective clothing, and use a flashlight at night
• Watch for cars entering or exiting driveways or backing up in parking lots

Head Up, Phone Down

Distracted walking incidents are on the rise, and everyone with a cell phone is at risk. We are losing focus on our surroundings and putting our safety at risk. The solution: Stop using phones while walking, and not just in crosswalks and intersections. Over half of distracted walking injuries occur in our own homes, proving that we need to stay aware of our surroundings indoors and out.

Please share the safety talk, for the noted month, with your employees and sign off on this form. All others should read for themselves. Completed forms shall be kept on file by the department.