Depending on where you live and the activities you have on your plate for the day ahead, you may find yourself walking, jogging or cycling in close proximity to motor vehicle traffic.

Furthermore, there will be times when you have to cross a street, which increases the risk of an accident.

Here are the steps you can take to protect yourself when crossing the street:

• Look both ways, twice: This lessens the likelihood of losing track of a vehicle moving toward you, which reduces the risk of walking out in front of it.
• Cross the road at crosswalks: Since it’s a law for drivers to stop and let you cross, this is the safest place to make your way from one side of the road to the other.
• Make eye contact: When crossing the street, make eye contact with any drivers who are stopped. This makes it clear to them that you see them, and they see you.
• Don’t dart into traffic: Even if you’re in a hurry and see an opportunity to quickly cross the road, don’t do so on a whim. You should plan out every cross, only doing so in a crosswalk and when the light tells you it’s safe.

Even if you follow these safety tips, you could still find yourself the victim of a pedestrian-car accident.

As one of our Las Vegas readers, you’re aware of how difficult it can be to maintain your safety as a pedestrian. If you’re injured as the result of another person’s negligence, learn more about the laws that protect your legal rights.