by Terri Wiebold

Rules of the road apply to pedestrians and bicyclists in addition to vehicles. Most of us are mindful of traffic rules and regulations when it pertains to
driving vehicles. Traffic rules are usually followed when stopping at red lights, driving the speed limit, and staying on the proper side of the road. But how careful are we as pedestrians and bicyclists?

According to the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, 34 pedestrians were involved in accidents in 2005. Of those involved, many were injured as a result of careless pedestrian safety. Here are a few safety tips to remember:

• Where there are no sidewalks, walk facing traffic and keep to the left side of the roadway. Always try to cross the road at an intersection in a crosswalk.
  
  
• Where no crosswalk is available, look left, then right, then left again to see if a car is coming. Do not always assume others see you.
  
  
• If on a bicycle, remember to ride with the flow of traffic.

Keeping these simple rules in mind when hitting the roads might be the difference between safety and injury.