When walking at night along a road without sidewalks, what is the safest action to take?

Walking on the left side of the road while facing traffic is the safest action to take in this situation. This practice allows pedestrians to see oncoming vehicles and judge their distance and speed. It also provides the opportunity to react quickly if a vehicle is approaching too closely or in an unsafe manner. Being able to see traffic gives walkers better situational awareness, which is critical for safety, especially in low-light conditions.

When walking against traffic, as suggested by this choice, you are placed in a position to be more defensive and aware of your surroundings. It is recommended over walking with your back to traffic, as this would leave you unable to see potential hazards approaching from behind. This method is backed by pedestrian safety guidelines that emphasize visibility and awareness to enhance safety in environments without dedicated pedestrian pathways.