Safety Tips for Pedestrians
Be aware of your surroundings.
Looking down to read a text or listening to music through ear buds creates distractions and presents a safety hazard. Keep your head up and ears open by putting down your phone and taking out your earbuds when walking.
Stick to designated walkways whenever possible.
The majority of pedestrian fatalities occur in areas that are not designated pedestrian walkways.
Stay visible when walking at night.
The majority of pedestrian fatalities occur in the dark.
Do not wear dark colors at night, and consider wearing reflective items such as patches and safety vests* and/or carrying a light source such as a flashlight, headlamp, or an LED backpack light.
*Recent research demonstrates that adding reflective materials at the joints of the body (elbows, knees etc.) can lead a driver’s eyes to pick up on the motion of the reflective patches and identify a cyclist or pedestrian as a person more effectively than with reflectors on the torso (as with a safety vest).
Avoid walking near traffic when under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
It is against Georgia law to walk on or along a roadway if you are intoxicated to the point of being a hazard.
Roughly 1/3 of pedestrians killed in traffic fatalities have a blood alcohol concentration of at least .01.
Pedestrian FAQs
Do pedestrians have to follow any rules or regulations?
Do pedestrians have to follow any rules or regulations?
Yes. Just as there are Georgia laws relating to cars and bicycles, there are also laws for pedestrians.
Visit the Georgia Governor’s Office of Highway Safety website for details regarding Georgia laws on pedestrian safety.
What do I do if there is no sidewalk?
What do I do if there is no sidewalk?
If a sidewalk is not available, a pedestrian should walk or run against oncoming traffic and be as close to the outside edge of the roadway as possible.
How can I find directions for walking around campus?
How can I find directions for walking around campus?
You can find point-to-point walking directions by using the Map & Directions feature in the UGA Mobile App.
