Stepping Out Safely

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• Stepping Out Safely
• Senior Lifestyles and Injury Prevention

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Acknowledgments
Society of Trauma Nurses (STN) acknowledges the
Michigan Trauma Leadership Council for
development of this program A special thanks to
members of the STN Injury Prevention Committee
for their revisions on the program
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Benefits of Walking

• Managing your weight
• Controls your blood pressure
• Decreases your risk of a heart attack
• Boosts good cholesterol
• Lowers your risk of stroke
• Reduces your risk for breast cancer and type 2
  diabetes
• Protecting against hip fracture

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More Benefits of Walking

• Boosts overall mood and sense of well-being
• Prevents constipation
• Lengthens lifespan
• Relieves arthritis and back pain
• Strengthens muscles, bones, and joints
• Improves sleep

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What are the potential hazards associated with
walking?
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Facts

• Over 4,699 pedestrians die every year after being
  hit by cars and close to 70,000 are injured.
• Nearly 50 percent of pedestrian deaths occur on
  weekends.
• Adults 70 years and older have the highest rate
  of pedestrian deaths.

NHTSA Traffic Safety Facts 2008
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Common Pedestrian Injuries

• A child darts into the street chasing a ball
• A driver fails to see a young girl drawing with
  chalk on the road
• Excited children on Halloween night

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Common Pedestrian Injuries

• Crossing at a busy crosswalk
• Crossing the street to get your mail
• Walking with traffic

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Factors Leading To Injuries

• Impatient drivers
• Alcohol
• Obstacles

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More Factors Leading To Injuries

• Poor visibility
• Walking on the road versus the sidewalk
• Limited peripheral vision

stock-photo-pedestrian-crosswalk-572971
stock-photo-looking-through-the-car-window-in-the-
rain-31799839
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Impact of Speed on Pedestrians
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Important Reminders

• Always stop at the edge
• Look LEFT-RIGHT-LEFT
• When clear, cross and keep looking

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Safety Tips

• Be alert while crossing the road
• Be aware of vehicles even if you have the right
  of way
• Watch for vehicles turning right on red

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Safety Tips

• Be visible
• Walk on sidewalks
• Walk facing traffic
• Walk with someone

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Safety Tips
Watch for reverse lights
Use a shopping cart in the parking lot
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Safety Tips

• Drinking alcohol and walking may be as dangerous
  as drinking and driving
• Some medications may affect your reaction time

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Lets Do Our Part WALKERS

• Allow time to cross the road
• Use crosswalks
• Make eye contact with drivers

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Lets Do Our Part WALKERS

• Wear sturdy shoes
• Walk in a familiar area
• Use a short leash
• Daylight hours
• Good weather

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Assistive Walking Devices

• Safety
• Balance
• Sense of security

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Weather Conditions

• Rain, sleet or snow
• Windy days
• Icy roads
• Sunny days

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Alternatives for Exercise

• Mall walking
• Indoor walking tracks
• Exercise programs
• Mowing the lawn
• Bicycling
• Golfing
• Water fitness

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Take Time To See Clearly

• Allow time to adjust from light to darkness
• Clean glasses
• Wear sunglasses

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Dress For The Occasion

• Walk during daylight hours
• Check weather conditions
• Wear retro-reflective clothing or materials

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Car Trouble?Pedestrian at High Risk!

• Stay in your vehicle until help
• has arrived
• Pull the vehicle far
• onto the shoulder
• Use hazard lights

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Regular Check-ups

• Visit your doctor regularly

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The Michigan Trauma Leadership Council thanks you
for your participation!