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See and Be Seen.
Whether it’s daytime or night, dawn, dusk, cloudy, rainy or snowy, it’s important to look out for pedestrians and cyclists. And pedestrians and cyclists can do their part to make themselves more visible too!
Pedestrians and cyclists are especially at risk during winter. The lower angle of the winter sun increases the shadows cast by buildings and trees. Decreased daylight, shadows, and nightfall make it difficult for drivers to see people wearing dark or non-reflective clothing.
Drivers
Look for pedestrians in the crosswalk before pulling away from a stop sign or a light, even if you have the green.
Look for pedestrians in the crosswalk when making a right turn, and always yield to pedestrians.
It’s getting dark even as kids leave school – be especially careful around schools, as children can cross unpredictably.
Drivers and passengers, look behind you before opening your car door or pulling out into a moving lane of traffic – cyclists might be passing.
Pedestrians and Cyclists
Dress to be seen by drivers: At night, wear something that reflects light, such as reflective or retro-reflective materials, tape or markings. Retro-reflective and reflective items give off light when headlights shine on them, and drivers can see them from three times farther away than they can see white. Use a flashlight to make yourself more visible to drivers and to help light your path.
Cars and other objects can obscure a driver's view. Cars, buses, hedges, or mounds of snow can block a driver's view. Make sure you are seen before crossing the street.
Stop and look for traffic in all directions before crossing the street, and look to the left, right, and left again—even on a one-way street. And always look left last because that is the direction that cars will be coming from when you first step off the curb.
Don't rely only on traffic signs and signals. Sometimes drivers make mistakes. Look for traffic even if you are in a crosswalk and you are crossing with the light or with the walk signal. A driver who does not see or pay attention to a sign or signal may also not be paying enough attention to see you.
Especially for cyclists:
- Stay visible at night - wear special clothing made from reflective materials, for example, retro-reflective vests, jackets, wristbands, and patches for your back, legs and arms, and helmet.
- Install bicycle reflectors on both the front and back of your bicycle. If you use panniers or a basket, make sure the rear reflector is visible.
- In New York State, you need to use a white front light and a red rear taillight at night. Use them in low-visibility conditions, too. You can attach the rear taillight to the back of your bicycle, bag, or helmet to increase your visibility to others.
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DOT Safety Education Events
Free Car Seat Check
Is your child car seat installed properly? Nine out of ten car seats are not. Find out if yours is. Come to a free car seat check on Saturday, December 13, at Chevrolet-Saturn of Harlem, 2485 Second Avenue at 127th Street, Manhattan, between 11:00 am and 3:00 pm. A trained car seat technician will check your seat and demonstrate correct installation. No appointment is necessary.
If you cannot attend this event call 311 for an appointment for a free child car seat inspection at a DOT Fitting Station. Please note that we cannot accept walk-ins. DOT Child Car Seat Fitting Station locations can be found here.
Traffic Safety Photo Exhibit
A photo exhibit, "Photovoice: Children's Perspectives on Traffic Safety in Washington Heights", will be on display at the Washington Heights Library, 1000 St. Nicholas Avenue, from October 18 - November 28, in the Children's Room. The photos were taken by students from the Washington Heights area who participated in a photojournalism workshop last spring conducted by the DOT Office of Safety Education and Safe Kids NYC and sponsored by FedEx. The kids took photos of the traffic environment in the neighborhood that showed their view of traffic safety, particularly for pedestrians.
For a complete list of events see NYCDOT's event calendar.
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More See and Be Seen Resources
 DOT Bicycle Safety Tips
Look NYC
The Bright Side of Bike Lights
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