There’s no place like Philadelphia for the holidays. While this year looks very different, the City of Philadelphia, along with public and private partners, is delighted to bring fun, safe, and family-friendly  holiday celebrations to residents and visitors alike.  

Whether you are driving, walking, biking, or taking transit, this is a time to experience the city and marvel at the sights, sounds and unique flavors of Philadelphia following the new health and safety regulations.  

As you get around this season, remember to respect social distancing guidelines, wear your mask, move predictably, be seen, and stay alert. 

We know the holiday season results in more traffic crashes than other times of the year. As a city, we recognize that we all play a role in each other’s safety on our roads.  No one should have to grieve the loss of a loved one as a result of a traffic crash.  

Here are some ways you can plan ahead to stay safe on the roads this holiday season: 

Tips for Drivers 

  • Ride with people from your same household. Wear your mask and keep 6 feet of social distance when outside of your vehicle.  
  • If you decide to drink, make sure you designate a sober driver or arrange for alternate transportation, such as a taxi, ride-share service, or SEPTA. 
  • If you decide to be the designated sober driver, do not let anyone drive impaired. 
  • Always wear your seatbelt. 
  • Traffic volumes have been unpredictable during COVID-19. Stay calm, slow down and watch out for all users of the road including people driving, walking, and biking. 
  • Do not text or drive distracted. 
  • Obey traffic signs and signals. 

Tips for Cyclists  

  • Wear your mask and keep 6 feet of social distance. 
  • Don’t ride a bike after drinking alcohol or using drugs.  Even a small amount of alcohol can cause balance issues and delay reaction time.  
  • Always obey traffic signs and signals. 
  • If you’re impaired, leave the bike behind, and arrange for alternate transportation such as taxi, ride-share, or SEPTA.  

Tips for Pedestrians 

  • Wear your mask and keep 6 feet of social distance. 
  • Avoid walking home if you’ve been drinking or using drugs, and arrange for alternate transportation such as taxi, ride-share, or SEPTA. 
  • Always obey traffic signs and signals.  
  • If there is no sidewalk on the road, walk facing traffic and as far from vehicles as possible. 
  • Be visible, especially at night — 75% of pedestrian deaths in 2017 happened when it was dark according to NHTSA.  

Tips for Transit Riders 

  • Wear your mask and keep 6 feet of social distance 
  • If riding a bus, trolley or train impaired, be aware of your surroundings, especially if you’re traveling alone.  

The City of Philadelphia is committed to making Philadelphia streets safe for everyone, regardless of age, physical ability, or choice of transportation. 

Philadelphia is proud to adopt Vision Zero. We prioritize human life and reject the sentiment that traffic crashes are inherently accidents. 

Your choices this holiday season matter – make a plan, wear your mask, and get home safe. 

To learn more about the City’s Vision Zero efforts, click here.