Add this to the list of non-candidate-centric CCN blog posts.

Over the years I've collected information that helps me stay safe as a pedestrian or driver. Thought I'd share them in case they help any of you.

- When walking in the street (Because no sidewalk is available), walk on the opposite side. In other words, walk on the side of the street with oncoming traffic. This is so you have the chance to jump out of the way if a vehicle is heading for you on the shoulder of the road. The opposite is true when you are on wheels (skates, bikes, etc.). In that case you want to be with the flow of traffic in case something obstructs the roadway, such as a child, their toy, debris, etc. You and the vedhicle will swerve in the same direction to miss the obstruction. Clear as mud?

- Many pedestrian are hit when vehicles are performing right turns on red. Always look both ways before hitting the gas pedal when turning on red.

- Check tire pressure when refueling. Underinflated tires waste fuel, and improperly inflated tires can affect vehicle performance - brakes, for example.

- Check vehicle lights the next time you plan to drive. It amazes me how many burnt out brakelights/headlights/taillights/turn indicator lights I see every week. I try to let the driver know when they have a problem, but this is not always possible to do safely.

- When waiting to turn left, keep your fron wheels pointed forward to prevent being pushed into oncoming traffic if your vehicle should get hit from behind.

- Illinois and Texas are in the top three states for most deaths in train/pedestrian and train/vehicle collisions. Pedestrians/drivers tend not to realize a second train is coming through from the opposite direction and mistakenly enter the tracks without looking both directions.