Wayland Police: Be Safe on the Crosswalks

WAYLAND, MA—A 12-year-old was struck by a car while crossing the street on Old Sudbury Road near Concord Road on June 21. The young girl was injured seriously, but it was non-life threatening.

As police remark, "Wayland is no stranger to pedestrian versus motor vehicle accidents."

The town has experienced fatal accidents that killed pedestrians on Nov. 22, 2006, and Sept. 4, 2008.

"Whether you walk for the health benefits, mobility without a motor vehicle, or to enjoy the great outdoors; the Wayland Police Department would like to help make sure you are safe while doing so. Crossing streets can be dangerous. We would like to offer you the following tips to help ensure you can be safe every time you cross."

• Although a crossing may be marked, your crossing safety is only as safe as you are. When pedestrians do have the right-of-way, the pedestrian must exercise care for his or her own safety. Do not assume the driver can or will stop.
• Before you cross: Stop at the curb and look left, right, and left again for traffic.
• When you are stopped at the curb, drivers will recognize you are intending to cross and should slow down, or may even stop.
• Cross within the marked crossing area.
• If crossing outside the marked area, recognize that drivers do not expect to see you there.
• Wait for natural, safe gaps in traffic to cross.
• Pedestrians shouldn't assume the driver sees them, even if they see the driver.
• Make eye contact with drivers before crossing to be sure that they see you.
• Do not assume the driver can or will stop. Traffic flow and/or congestion may prevent a driver from seeing you or stopping.
• Look before walking past stopped vehicles.
• Do not cross just because a driver waves you on. Be sure all lanes are clear first.
• Be predictable. Cross or enter streets where it is legal to do so. Use push button cross signals wherever available.
• Use extra caution when crossing at night. A pedestrian will see a vehicle approaching sooner than the driver will see the pedestrian.
• Do not use a mobile device while crossing the street. It is important for pedestrians to be alert and have their attention focused on oncoming traffic..