Wet weather, it is the worst time that brings severe dangers and risks for pedestrians in terms of fatalities and injuries. Because in such weather, visibility is reduced and normally everyone is in rush, posing more accident risks. Fortunately, there are ways you can prevent such risks.

Whether you’re an urban commuter, construction worker, or the one who love to walk during wet weather, this guide is for you. Here, you’ll learn about effective tips for pedestrian safety in wet weather for both adults and kids. By the end, you’ll also know exactly what you should do when get injuries.

Why Is Pedestrian Safety Important?

Pedestrian safety is even more important compared to vehicle users because pedestrians are far more vulnerable to get hits, injured, or even killed in road accidents. In fact, pedestrians injury rates are reported up to 284 times more than the vehicle passengers.

According to Toronto KSI data, 5000 pedestrians were killed or get seriously injured between January 2017-2018 on wet roads. And even as per 2017 Insurance company of Columbia survey, 9 out of 10 drivers have shared worry about hitting pedestrian in wet weather.

You can now analyze this data that how much pedestrian safety rules are vital to follow in wet weather. That’s why recent bills like the Pedestrian Safety Act have been passed in U.S. to keep bicyclists and pedestrians safe.

The Risks in Wet Weather Which Lead to Pedestrian Accidents

• Slippery and Reflective Roads

When it rains, roads, sidewalks, crosswalks, and ramps become slippery, and it becomes hard for drivers to stop their vehicles in time. Plus, asphalt roads also become reflective and bounces back the headlight into drivers’ eyes. This makes it difficult for drivers to see the road, and an accident occurs.

• Reduced Visibility and Pedestrian Dark Clothing

During rain, fog, or snow weather, the visibility is reduced and drivers struggle a lot to see people who are crossing the road. And on top of that, if pedestrians are wearing dark or non-reflective clothes, drivers struggle even more to spot the pedestrian. 

• Delayed Braking and Hydroplaning

When roads are wet, a vehicle’s braking distance can be 2 to 3 times longer. In fact, there’s also a risk of hydroplaning (a situation where tires lose grip due to standing water) which can cause drivers to lose control and increase the chance of hitting pedestrians on a road.

• Pooled Water and Hidden Hazards

Hidden hazards, such as water-filled potholes and open drains, often add more to the situation. Due to poor visibility, pedestrians may unknowingly step into them and they might fall. In such moments, drivers may not stop in time and hit them.

• Increased Driver Distractions and Pedestrian Rushing Behavior

According to the U.S. National Safety Council, 1 out of every 4 accidents happens when drivers are using their phones. During wet weather, risks multiply even more. So, imagine a driver who is being distracted by devices and a pedestrian who is crossing the road in a rush; this mixed behavior can result in severe danger.

Tips for Pedestrian Safety in Wet Weather

Tips for Pedestrian Safety Measures

• Check The Weather Forecast Before Heading Out

Before going outside, you should always the weather forecast, especially if there are heavy clouds or lightning. That way, you’ll know what to expect outside and you’ll dress accordingly. If forecast shows you heavy rain, ideally you shouldn’t go outside and delay your plan. 

• Obey Traffic Rules And Avoid Crossing Barriers

During rain, people often rush, jump over pedestrian safety barriers or cross from non-designated areas. You should never do that. Even if the roads are clear, you should always follow the traffic signal and use crosswalks for crossing. Because this is the safe area designed to keep you protected.

• Wear A Bright-Colored Vest With Reflective Strips

During wet weather conditions, visibility is already reduced. Also, drivers struggle to see pedestrians on a road. That’s why you should make yourself highly-visible to drivers. You can do this by wearing a wet weather outfits like JACKWIN bright-colored vest made with reflective strips.

If you’re a construction worker, traffic police officer, emergency respondent, you are legally required to wear safety vest. However, the vest color may vary based on your profession. If you’re not sure which vest to choose, check out our safety vest selection guide.

• Use Non-Slip Footwear

Since roads are already slippery during wet weather, so you should avoid shoes with smooth soles. Instead, wear non-slip or wet weather boots. These prevent slipping on wet roads and helps in strong grip with road. 

• Avoid Holding Umbrella Too Low

When you hold umbrella too low towards your face, it significantly reduces your visibility to see vehicles from all sides. That’s why you should tilt the umbrella slightly backward (not over your face) while walking near traffic. That way, you keep better visibility. And when walking with others, hold the umbrella above your head level (not at eye level).

• Cross at Well-Lit Areas at Night

Since visibility is already low during rain, and if you cross the road in poorly lit spots, drivers might likely not see you and may hit you. That’s why, always use the well-lighted route. 

Even if in your route, there are no streetlights, turn on your mobile phone flashlight or a torch and then proceed. You should also avoid crossing behind large vehicles (like buses or trucks) where you can’t be seen. 

• Stay Alert To Your Surroundings

When you’re on a call or listening to music using headphones, it’s easy to get distracted and unaware of the road surroundings. Also, you may not know what’s coming towards you. That’s why, firstly, you should avoid using distracted devices while on the road. 

Even if you do, keep one earphone out. That way, you can at least hear traffic and horns. Also, while walking, always look down for slippery surfaces, open drains, or leaning poles.

• Use Pedestrian Bridges Or Trench Covers In Water-Logged Areas

When you see a standing water, firstly you should avoid stepping over standing water because you never know how much it’s shallow or have deep potholes. Ideally, you should go over pedestrian bridges, footpaths, or trench covers in flooded areas. If none are available, we suggest you tap the surface with a stick or umbrella first before stepping in.

Pedestrian Crossing Sign

Tips for Driver

Pedestrian safety awareness isn’t just the responsibility of pedestrians, it’s also something drivers need to take seriously. After all, every pedestrian is a driver at some point. That’s why in this section, here are few wet weather driving tips:

• Drive Slowly

The most basic yet effective tip is to drive slowly, even if you’re running late. Because during wet weather, roads become slippery and reflective. And if you drive fast, you can lose control while taking brake, especially near pedestrian crossings. You should also keep an extra (at least one car) distance between your car and the one in front.

• Use Wiper Blades

When it is raining, it is compulsory to use wiper blades to clear the windshield so you can see the road and pedestrians clearly. In case while you’re on a road and found out that wiper blades are not working, although it’s a serious safety concern, here’s what you should do:

First, slow down to a very safe speed and turn on your hazard lights. If rain is light, grab a microfiber cloth or even tissue paper. Then, manually clear the windshield from inside. Also, if you’re near a gas station or auto store, get emergency wiper blade refills and use them.

• Use Signals and Headlights

Pedestrian safety at night often becomes challenging. Because pedestrians often struggle to judge where vehicles are going. Here, you can signal and guide them by turning on your low-beam headlights. Also, when you plan to turn, always use turn signals early, so road users know beforehand.

• Place Safety Cones in Case of an Accident

If you work and drive a vehicle for safety teams, construction facility, or organizations, or emergency response unit, it’s ideal to have safety cones in the vehicle. So when you encounter an accident, as a professional, you should immediately place safety cones. Safety cones are bright and highly-reflective so they’ll helps warn others and prevents more accidents.

• Avoid Distractions at Crosswalks and Intersections

Crosswalks and intersections are the places where pedestrians widely cross. Therefore, as per NHTSA pedestrian crosswalk safety rules, you should avoid distraction thing, obey traffic signals and always start slowing down earlier (before reaching intersection). 

• Maintain a Safe Distance from Pedestrians

When driving near pedestrians, especially in rainy weather, always keep at least 3–5 feet away from the pedestrians. Because there are times when tires lose grip or vehicles take longer to stop due to wet roads. So, driving from a safe distance might help.

• Avoid Sudden Braking

As we mentioned that during wet weather, roads become slippery. That means, brakes on roads can make your vehicle skid or hydroplane a bit. To avoid such vehicles’ behaviors, you should always start slowing down early. Ideally, before approaching crosswalks, turns, or intersections.

Pedestrian Safety Tips for Kids

Pedestrian safety actually starts from a young age. Children between the ages of 4 to 10 are not that aware of making safe judgments. So they’re more vulnerable on the road. That’s why it’s advised to take them along with you. And by pointing out real-life scenarios, show them how to make judgments.

Most kids are naturally attracted to cars, trucks, and signal lights. You, as elders, can leverage this curiosity to educate them about road environments. Like how vehicle navigates, how they can harm pedestrians, which area is meant for vehicles and which are safe for walking, etc.

Now let’s discuss a few pedestrian safety activities for kids:

• Wear a Bright Raincoat or Reflective Vest to Stay More Visible

During wet weather, it becomes difficult for drivers to clearly notice small pedestrians. That’s why kids need to make themselves more visible. And for that, they should wear bright and reflective pedestrian safety gear. In Finland, it is the law that every walker should wear reflective items. And children going to school must wear three reflective items.

• Always Use Sidewalks and Avoid Puddles Near the Road

We all know that kids often jump in puddles. But near roads, that could be extremely dangerous. Kids can slip and fall, or worse, get too close to moving vehicles. That’s why always teach them they should walk on pedestrian-safe areas. Means, sidewalk or crosswalk, to stay away from the road.

• Hold an Adult’s Hand While Crossing the Street

Children can get easily distracted, and they may try to cross without checking. That’s why, tell them to always hold an adult’s hand while crossing roads, especially in wet weather, at an intersection or crosswalk.

• Use Crosswalks and Wait for the Signal Before Crossing

You should educate kids about traffic signals and their meaning. So that they know when it’s safe to enter the road. Better is that you show them in real-time. Like tell them to wait and never rush. When the signal turns green, only then use the crosswalk.

• Look Left, Right, and Left Again Before Crossing

This is the basic rule which works all time. Teach your child that they should look left, then right, then left again before going on the road, even at a crosswalk. It not just helps them develop awareness, but become more careful with time.

Know More About What to Do After an Injury

No doubt, accidents can happen to anyone anytime. Let’s assume, unfortunately, you got injured during wet weather, let’s discuss what you should do:

• Stay Calm and Take First Aid

The first thing you should do is to stay calm. Because panic will do nothing but make the situation worse. If you’ve fallen or been hit, try to move only if you feel safe to do so. And go to any nearest hospital to get first aid. If you’re with someone, ask them to assist you. 

• Call for Help if Necessary

If your injury is severe or blood is coming out, without delaying, you should immediately call emergency services and share your location. It’s important not to assume that someone else will call, you need to take action quickly.

• Take Photos and Videos as Evidence

If you’re safe and stable, try to take pictures or videos of the accident scene. Like the location, vehicle’s license plate, and your injuries. This evidence may help you later if you need to report the incident or file a claim. Though, roads now have cameras and they record every activity.

• Do Not Remove Protective Equipments

If you’re wearing a helmet or reflective safety vest, never force try to remove it. Especially if you got a head, neck, or back injury. Just stay still and calm, wait for medical professionals to arrive and let them assess the situation first.

JACKWIN’s Role for Pedestrian Safety in Wet Weather

JACKWIN, it’s one of the Chinese leading safety vest manufacturer and supplier since 18+ years. As an all-in solution, we have complete range of reflective safety vest, varying in colors and material, meeting ANSI class 1, 2, and 3 standards to ensure vest are highly visible and durable.

Our vests are fire-resistant, waterproof, have anti-static properties, and come with 2-year long warranty. Not just that, we only deal in competitive wholesale prices. Our team can also manufacture and supply customized safety vests for you. Contact us today to get an instant inquiry!