Norwalk: Stay safe, walk against traffic, listen

NORWALK, Conn. – Brien McMahon High School students are not along in their predicament: pedestrians all over Norwalk are being forced to walk in the road due to the large amount of snow dumped on the city over the weekend.

On Wednesday afternoon, Norwalk’s Office of Emergency Management used its Facebook page to offered walkers some safety guidelines:

•  Walk against traffic and as close to the curb as you can if the sidewalk has not been cleared.
•  Wearing dark “winter” colors can make it hard for motorists to see you, especially if they aren’t expecting you. Consider wearing a brightly-colored scarf or hat, or reflective gear, especially if you have to walk in the street. When walking in the dark, carry a flashlight to make yourself visible. 
•  Make sure you can hear. While seeing the environment is important, you also want to be sure you can hear approaching traffic and other noises. Avoid listening to music or engaging in conversation that may prevent you from hearing oncoming traffic or snow removal equipment.
• Make sure babies and/or small children are also dressed in brightly colored or reflective clothing. If you have to push a stroller or walk in the street, keep the child in front of you and as close to the curb as possible.
•  Before you step off of the curb into the street, make sure that any approaching vehicles have come to a complete stop. Motorists may not be able to stop at traffic signals if the roads are icy and they may not be able to see pedestrians because of snow piles.

Within an hour, the Facebook page had a comment: “Are homeowners supposed to be clearing the sidewalks in front of their houses?” Michael Fetterer asked. “Seems like very few people are doing it.”

Mayor Richard Moccia also put out a press release with the tips. “Fluctuating temperatures and ongoing work by residents to clear pathways can make for hazardous conditions,” he said in the release. “A combination of common sense and observation of safety tips can assure a safer environment for everyone and I urge our citizens to pay particular attention in the days ahead.”