For some Rhode Island residents, walking is one of life's great simple pleasures. A stroll around the neighborhood can give you the opportunity to relax, meet up with neighbors and get some exercise. But when crossing the street, we must remember the rules we were taught when we were children. Looking both ways prior to entering a crosswalk is still vital for our safety.

But looking both ways is only one thing pedestrians can do to stay safe when crossing the street. So, what are some other things that can help pedestrians stay safe? On its website, the American Automotive Association offers some useful safety tips that you may want to keep in mind next time you decide to take a walk:

• Avoid using cell phones. Cell phones can cause you to lose focus on your surroundings.
• Don't use headphones. Sounds can provide important signals, which headphones can prevent you from hearing.
• Whenever possible, do not walk on or near highways or other such roadways that prohibit pedestrian traffic.
• Understand and obey all traffic signals, signs and rules.

It is also important to understand the rules drivers must obey so that you can better anticipate their behavior. But the drivers themselves also have a responsibility to help ensure the safety of pedestrians. A mere moment of carelessness or distraction could lead to an auto-pedestrian accident.

Being struck by a motor vehicle could leave a pedestrian with serious injuries requiring extensive care. Medical costs for long-term care can be very expensive. If you or a member of your family have been injured in an auto-pedestrian accident, a Rhode Island personal injury attorney may be able to help get the compensation necessary for a recovery.