Whether pedestrians should walk in the same direction as vehicles or opposite?

Question

Some people think that pedestrians should walk in the opposite side of vehicular traffic. For eg in India, where traffic is on the left side of the road, they advise pedestrians to walk on the right side. They feel it is safer. However, I have found that this is riskier. Does any one know actual rule for this?

Answer 1

you walk facing the cars .... safer... unless you are wanting a ride then walk with your back to them.. you ride with the flow you walk against it

Answer 2

If there is no sidewalk, then you should walk facing oncoming traffic (as far away from the side of the road as possible).

Answer 3

No matter where,   pedestrians should always walk facing oncoming traffic  to allow them to see a dangerous driver approaching.   Additionally,    most can hear of oncoming dangers better from in front or the side than from behind.

Answer 4

Happy girl is right... but mistated it. What she most likely meant to say is: Walk in the direction opposed to traffic. Just like she mentioned... that way, you can see what is comming at you, not what hit you.

Answer 5

ALWAYS walk in the direction opposite to traffic.  That way you can see the cars coming towards you and can step out of the way if necessary to avoid being struck.  If you walk with your back towards traffic, then you won't be able to see and avoid the cars and trucks coming up behind you.

Answer 6

Walk with the flow of the traffic at all times..........

Answer 7

It IS safer to walk in the direction of traffic...only because pedestrians can now see the cars, because they are coming towards them.  

Otherwise, it may be easy to inadvertantly step into the line of traffic, because you are not looking into traffic, as it is coming up behind you.  You also have more time to react if a car is coming to close.

**AGAINST the direction of traffic, I mean. : )

Answer 8

DON'T walk on roads that haven't a pavement. Much the safest option, better still, get in your car and drive to where you want to be.