Too risky?

Good morning. 

Random picture from the library

A sunny start, but still cold. A question came up on a litter picking site.  

I live in a village where the A38 (which is a 40mph road) divides our village. The council will not allow litter pickers to work on it. The litter is awful, what can I do?

Well Mr Litter picker, since when do you have to ask someone's permission to do some tidying up. Obviously the road is not private land, it is a public highway. People are allowed to drive along it, cycle along it, ride a horse along it, and walk along it. Each one of those activities has it's own risks.

Do your own risk assessment. Are there restrictions, any signs saying no walking? Like you can't walk on a motorway. Too dangerous and it's against the law. Take note of busy times when there is likely to be a lot more traffic, eg, people going to and from work. Avoid those, go when it's quiet. Choose your times. Like a Saturday or Sunday.

If you are going to clear grass verges along a stretch of road you need to be seen. Common sense. Wear something bright, like a high viz jacket or vest, or even high viz trousers. Walk as you pick facing the oncoming traffic. Common sense. Be prepared to change sides if you come to a bend so you can see around it.

Before you cross stop look and listen. Look right, look left, and look right again. Just like being back at school. Common sense.

Use your ears to listen for traffic. Sound carries a long way across open spaces. If you are deaf, even more care should be taken. Do not dash across, wait until all is quiet. Litter picking is a leisurely activity, no need to hurry. Personal safety is important. Common sense.

This post isn't about litter picking, it's about personal responsibility. As I said, do your own risk assessment, as with any decisions you have to make in life. If you think the litter pick along your road would be too dangerous, don't do it. Find somewhere else safer. There is plenty to choose from.

Have a nice day. Toodle pip. ilona