The streets in and around Fillmore are getting busier every day. People are in a hurry. While trying to do more than one thing at a time, such as driving and talking on cell phones, they are dividing their attention and concentration between two tasks and significantly increasing the probability of a tragic outcome.

There are some actions pedestrians can take to minimize the chances of being hit by an inattentive driver. They go far beyond the "Stop, Look and Listen" we were taught as children.

In California, where a right turn on a red light is permissible, many distracted drivers will stop at an intersection, look for oncoming cars, and proceed with the turn without checking for pedestrians entering the crosswalk. The pedestrian will assume it is safe to cross because the light is green and the car has stopped. The consequences could be tragic. In a collision between an SUV and a child walking across the street the SUV will win every time.

What can a pedestrian do to minimize the risk of such a tragedy? Make certain that all cars at the intersection that might drive through your crosswalk are fully stopped. Don’t assume that the driver knows you are there and that you intend to cross the street. Make eye contact with the driver and give him some indication that you intend to cross. Walk, don’t run across the intersection. Running will increase the chances that another car approaching the same intersection will not be able to see you in sufficient time to stop.

Don’t assume that because a car in one lane has stopped for you that those in adjacent lanes will also stop. Their view of you may be blocked by the car that has stopped for you.

Don’t assume that because you our riding a scooter or electric cart, bicycle ECT. That you have the right-of-away. Always try to get eye contact and always lean on the safe side by giving vehicle’s the right-of-way.

Look left, right and left again for traffic before stepping off the curb.

Keep alert for unsafe drivers. If you see somebody speeding and switching lanes there is a good chance she is trying to beat the red light. She will not be aware of or concerned with pedestrians. Let her pass before attempting to cross the street.

Keep in mind that a vehicle with its turn indicator on may not turn and, conversely, a vehicle with its turn indicator off might still make a turn.

Turn down the volume on your iPod. Keep the volume low enough to allow you to hear what is going on around you such as car horns, sirens or people shouting warnings.

Don’t hold conversations on your cell phone while walking. Talking on a cell phone while walking is just as dangerous as talking on it while driving. You will distracted and will not be fully aware of any traffic danger you might encounter. If that traffic danger happens to be a driver talking on his cell phone it becomes an instant recipe for tragedy.

Do not ride skateboards or similar devices across intersections. If a vehicle comes through unexpectedly a skateboard rider will not be able to stop quickly enough.

If you are required to walk in an area where there is no sidewalk always walk on the side of the street facing oncoming traffic. If with a group it is safest to walk single-file on streets without sidewalks.

Be aware that at dawn and at dusk that the sun might be in drivers eyes limiting their visibility.

If you need to be walking at night keep in mind that drivers do not expect to see people out after dark. Wear light colored clothing and, when possible, reflective clothing of some type.

Unlike driving under the influence of alcohol or other drugs, walking will probably not result in the death or injury of someone else - but it could very well result in yours. As an inebriated pedestrian your chances of suffering an accident increase significantly.

Yield to drivers when crossing a street where there is no intersection or crosswalk or where the pedestrian does not have a green or "walk" signal and where vehicles have a green signal.