Tips for Safe Walking | Diabetes Life LInes | University Illinois Extension

It is always best to walk with someone, rather than walking alone. Your parents, grandparents, guardian or other adult should know you are going for a walk and agree that it’s a good idea. Some neighborhoods or areas are safer than others. Talk to an adult about safe environments.
It’s a good idea to take a phone, in case you need help. But don’t talk on the phone while walking. This can distract you from your environment.
Check the weather and dress for it!
If you have a medical condition and have an alert bracelet, be sure to take it with you.
If it is hot, take water.
Walk facing traffic. Always walk on the side walk. If no side walk, then walk facing traffic.
Be visible. Wear bright colored clothing in the daytime and light colored clothing and reflective materials at night.
Cross safely. Always look left, right, and left again before you cross. Cross streets at marked intersections and obey traffic signals. Make sure the driver turning his vehicle sees you and stops for you.
Walking at night. Carry a flashlight with you and walk in a well lit area. Having a dog or partner with you is recommended at nighttime. Make sure you know your route. Avoid alleys and other unsafe looking areas.
Keep the volume down. Try using only one headphone or earbud of your music player or keep the volume low so that you can still hear what is going on around you.
Be aware of stranger danger. Choose walking routes frequented by other walkers, bikers, and joggers. If you see someone suspicious, be prepared to alter your route or get into a store or public building to avoid them. Acting alert and aware convinces bad guys to look for easier targets.
Know your way. Let someone know when you go for a walk and where you are going. Always know where you are and how to get back home. Carry your ID with you.
Walk dogs on short leashes. It is safer for your dog, yourself and other pedestrians. Dogs on long leashes get into fatal dog-car accidents or they can attack another pedestrian.
Stay aware of bikers and runners. Share the road and path with bikers and runners. Bike riders should alert you when approaching from behind with a bike bell or a 'passing on the left/right'. Listen for them, and move to walk in a single file, allowing them to pass safely. Runners should also call out for passing. Bike-walker collision can result in broken bones or head injury for either - and you aren't wearing a helmet.
Until the COVID-19 pandemic is well controlled, have a face mask with you even if you plan to be alone. If walking with another person or in an area where other people are, where your facemask.