Cincinnati comes alive every summer with all kinds of festivals, concerts and special events. The Taste of Cincinnati is a Memorial Day tradition, just like the Cincinnati Music Festival in July – and the Reds games and Cincy Soul Fest bring tourists from all over the state and nation.
That huge influx of visitors and the increase in traffic all over the city can pose unique dangers for pedestrians, especially those trying to get back and forth from their vehicles at crowded venues. With so much excitement going on, it’s easy for drivers to get distracted – and pedestrians can end up seriously hurt.
What can you do to keep yourself and your loved ones safer?
Here are some tried-and-true methods for pedestrian safety at special events:
- Use public transportation when possible: Using the Metro or the Cincinnati Bell Connector streetcar can reduce the need to walk long distances through high-traffic areas and drop you close to your event without harm.
- Walk in groups, especially in crosswalks: You are much less visible, even in daylight, when you’re alone than when you’re in a crowd. When you come to a spot where you have to cross a road, try to hang back until there are several people ready to all walk at once. There’s a lot of safety in numbers.
- Follow the traffic signals: Unless there is a security guard controlling traffic and motioning you through, don’t step into a crosswalk until you get the appropriate signal to walk.
- Wear reflective clothing at night: Whether it’s a white shirt or a neon glow stick bracelet, high visibility can keep you from ending up an accident victim.
- Stay alert: You can’t afford to be distracted when you’re walking to and from venues. Keep your earbuds out, your eyes off your phone and your wits about you as you walk.
Cinci’s summer scene is fantastic, so grab your walking shoes and get ready to enjoy everything that’s being offered – but always keep safety in mind. If you are injured by a negligent driver, however, you would be wise to seek legal guidance to better understand your right to fair compensation.
