As you learn how to drive you’ll discover that you’ll need to keep an eye not just for vehicles and motorcycles, but for pedestrians as well.

They have just as much right to use the road as you do, and it’s best to pay attention to them while you’re navigating streets, roads and intersections. As is the case, you will need to be extra careful so you won’t get into an accident.

Here are several tips on how you can start sharing the road with pedestrians.

Choose Defensive Driving

Defensive driving is more than just a phrase- it’s a driving method that’s proven to reduce car accidents and increase pedestrian safety.

In defensive driving, the vehicle assumes a notion that other people, cars or motorcycles can’t readily see you. Slow down, be aware and avoid distractions from keeping your eyes on the road. Furthermore, you should always be ready to slow down when approaching a crowded area and places where there’s plenty of foot traffic.

Also, it’s best to anticipate that there will be pedestrians where there might be none. For instance, a crossing or where there are traffic lights, in public areas such as parks and schools, and bike lanes. The greater your awareness the more reaction time you have, and braking will usually be earlier and generally safer.

Be Aware of Crosswalk Rules

Pedestrians will usually need to cross the road in order to get to their destination. There are designated areas where they’re allowed to walk, and it’s called a crosswalk. Drivers can identify them as lanes where there are lines so they’ll know that they should slow down or stop and allow people to walk.

When sharing the road with pedestrians, you should give right of way whenever you see them trying to use a crosswalk. Drivers, motorcyclists and bicycle riders are required to stop at school crossings, pedestrian crossovers and areas where there might be a crossing guard.

So, you should immediately assume a slower pace the moment you see a crosswalk up ahead. Do not stop in the crosswalk area, and remember that there might be children or elderly people so you should be patient and allow them to pass at their own pace.

It’s also worthy to note that you should not overtake vehicles when they are stopped at a crosswalk to prevent accidents. Generally speaking, the goal is to provide a safe environment that allows pedestrians to cross designated areas without fear of motorcycles and cars.

Look People in the Eye

Pedestrians will usually signal their intent to cross a street or road by making eye contact with the drivers. Their heads will be turned towards oncoming traffic, and they’ll gauge whether they could cross the street or not in the event that there isn’t a crosswalk or traffic light.

It’s recommended that you use this technique in intersections, crosswalks and even parking lots. Those involved will have greater spatial awareness, and they’ll be more cautious when approaching or in the general vicinity of your vehicle. On your end, allow them to pass so you could navigate or park safely and without obstacles.

Don’t forget to use all the available tools at your disposal, including the rear view mirror, side mirror and if you have a dash cam to check your blind spots.

Sidewalks Are For People

Just as pedestrians should learn to respect the fact that roads are for cars and motorcycles, so should drivers understand that sidewalks are meant for people and not machines.

Sidewalks are called as such because they provide ‘walking’ space for people on foot. These sidewalks should be clear of vehicles, whether parked or passing through so they could use it without worry.

Drivers will usually have a wide expanse of the road they can use to get from one place to another. Sidewalks are off-limits unless there’s a special rule in place, e.g., the area is closed off and others. You should speak with the immediate authorities in this case.

Keep a respectable distance of at least one meter to sidewalks. People may need to step off it to avoid obstacles or to prevent bumping into each other. It’s recommended that you slow down whenever there’s a high volume of foot traffic as well.