Watch For Me NC: A statewide pedestrian and bicycle safety program

Be aware. Know the rules. Stay safe.

Watch for Me NC aims to reduce pedestrian and bicycle injuries and deaths through a comprehensive, targeted approach of public education, community engagement, and high visibility law enforcement.

Each year more than 3,000 pedestrians and 850 bicyclists are hit by drivers in North Carolina, making it one of the least safe states in the US for walking and bicycling. Of those, about 180 are killed, representing about 15% of all traffic fatalities that occur on North Carolina roads.

We can save lives.

Learn more about how to be a safer driver, bicyclist, and pedestrian, and ultimately, reduce the number of people hit or killed by vehicles on our streets.

Rules of the Road

Motorist

Avoid distractions, such as using your phone.
Don't exceed speed limits and drive at speeds safe for the road and weather conditions.
Know when pedestrians or bicyclists have the right-of-way, like at a crosswalk.
Give a bicyclist at least four feet of space when passing.
Never pass a vehicle that is stopped for pedestrians.
Look behind your vehicle for pedestrians before backing-up.

Bicyclist

Wear a helmet. It could save your life.
Use a light, reflectors and/or reflective clothing when bicycling at night.
Ride in the direction of traffic and obey the rules of the road.
Watch and listen for cars, particularly at intersections and driveways.

Pedestrian

Look for cars in all directions before crossing the street; never assume a driver will stop.
At night, walk in well-lit areas, carry a flashlight or wear reflective clothing.
Avoid distraction, especially using your phone when crossing the street.
Watch for cars backing up in parking lots and driveways.
Always walk on the sidewalk; if there is no sidewalk, walk facing traffic.