DON'T HAVE A BLIND SPOT WHEN IT
COMES TO WALKING SAFELY NEAR
LARGE TRUCKS AND BUSES

A high percentage of pedestrians involved in bus crashes are seriously injured or killed. As drivers, we allow extra space between our vehicle and large trucks and buses - these vehicles need more room to move in traffic, and it's wise to give them a wide berth. But all too often, the good sense that helps us stay safe around large vehicles while driving doesn't carry over when we're walking close to the very same vehicles. The results of this inattention can be serious - pedestrians put themselves at risk when they cross inattentively in front of large vehicles.

• Behind the Vehicle - When it becomes necessary for a truck to back-up (perhaps to make a delivery), the vehicle will probably block the sidewalk for a short time. Don't race behind as the truck backs up. The driver cannot see you and, besides, it's a race you will never win. These vehicles can move suddenly in traffic - so STAY SAFE and STAY OUT of this no-zone.
  
  
• Side Blind Spots - when a large vehicle turns at a street corner the rear wheels may "off track" and run across the curb or sidewalk area because of the vehicle's length. A skilled driver knows just how the wheels track in order to make a safe turn. However, pedestrians need to be aware and alert when walking near a large vehicle that is about to turn so they can STAY OUT of this NO-ZONE area.

BUSES AND TRUCKS TAKE LONGER TO
STOP - NO MATTER WHAT THEIR SPEED

As drivers and pedestrians, we need to realize that large vehicles take a longer distance to come to a safe stop - much further than a passenger car. Don't hurry and cross in front of a bus or truck that's approaching a crosswalk. Sudden moves on your part are difficult for even the well trained professional driver to anticipate.

• Remember to wait until the TRANSIT BUS leaves the bus stop before trying to cross the street. NEVER cross in front of a transit bus standing at the bus stop. As the bus moves away from the curb, the driver's attention will be directed at vehicular traffic. In addition, other drivers passing the bus may not see you. STAY on the sidewalk until the bus leaves the bus stop. Look left-right-left, and if its clear, begin crossing. Continue to check for traffic in all direc-tions, especially for vehicles turning "Right-on-Red". At signalized intersections, it is important we follow the directions given by the signals (see Publication No. FHWA-SA-01-001).
  
  
• Pedestrians needing to cross the street after departing a SCHOOL BUS should always cross in front of the school bus. After exiting the school bus, they need to walk on the sidewalk or along the side of the road to a point at least 10 feet ahead of the school bus before crossing. When cross-ing, be sure the school bus driver can see you and you can see the driver. Pedestrians need to exercise caution, stop at the edge of the school bus, and check to ensure that all traffic is stopped before proceeding across.