We all enjoy our walks out here, and the nice community and low traffic area that it is.  However, that doesn’t mean that a quick tip in safety couldn’t make things a lot better.  Driving in and out of Sandy Point, it is frequent that I see someone incorrectly walking/jogging on the roads of Sandy Point.  Here is a quick write-up from Safe Routes Info.org;

“For a road that has sidewalks on both sides of the road, it is acceptable to walk on the sidewalk on either side of the road (facing oncoming traffic or your back to oncoming traffic) because you are separated from the automobiles.

For a road with a sidewalk only on one side, it is recommended to use the sidewalk for traveling in either direction (with traffic or against traffic). Again the sidewalk helps separate you from the automobiles.

If no sidewalks exist on the road, it is recommended to walk facing oncoming traffic on the same side of the road as the oncoming traffic. Also, you should get as far to the side of the road as possible to provide additional space between you and oncoming cars.

When bicycling, you will want to ride on the right (going in the same direction as automobile traffic).”

So why is this important?  For the safety of both the driver and the person(s) walking.  If both parties are aware of each other, the likelihood of an accident is reduced greatly, probably to nothing.  If the the person walking has their back to the car, they may not be aware and make a sudden move that puts them in the path of the vehicle behind them.  Being able to see your obstacles coming is the best and safest option, and hopefully many will start following this tip.

Be safe, stay safe, and enjoy this beautiful place.