Staying safe by the road is about more than just abiding by traffic laws. Pedestrian accidents kill nearly 6,000 people each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which totals to about one death every 90 minutes. Walking, running, or biking near any roadway can be dangerous, but by observing pedestrian safety guidelines, you can significantly decrease your likelihood of being involved in a damaging traffic accident. In a crash, pedestrians are far likelier to sustain serious, if not fatal, injuries, which is why it is so important for all pedestrians to do what they can to stay safe by the road.
Pedestrian accidents are as tragic as they are unnecessary, so to keep yourself and your loved ones safe on the roadside, follow these key safety tips:
1. Follow Traffic Rules: Look around at the surrounding streets and observe all relevant traffic laws. When you come to an intersection, make sure you know which lane could be turning into the crosswalk, or determine which vehicles have the right of way. If the crosswalk says not to walk, do not walk. Even if the road seems to be clear, always follow the posted traffic laws. By following the rules around you, you’ll be able to determine which vehicles pose a potential threat.
2. Stay on the Sidewalk: Sidewalks are the safest area for pedestrians, so stay along roads with designated footpaths or walkways and avoid walking in bike lanes, on medians, or in the street. When crossing the street, always stay within designated crossing walks.
3. Be Alert: Don’t succumb to distraction! Stay alert, watch traffic, and if you can, walk facing traffic so that you can keep an eye on the cars coming your way. When crossing the street, always keep your head up and watch for distracted drivers or anyone else who could pose a threat.
4. Never Assume a Driver Sees You: Always err on the side of caution when it comes to roadside safety, and never assume a driver sees you. When you can, make eye contact with drivers to ensure see you before you cross the road. Otherwise, always be cautious and make sure vehicles come to a complete stop before you cross in front of them.
5. Drink Responsibly: A significant number of fatal pedestrian accidents involve alcohol consumption, not only by drivers, but by pedestrians as well. When a person drinks, their judgment becomes compromised, which means they’re more prone to making irresponsible decisions, like crossing the street in an unmarked area. In order to avoid these dangerous situations, make sure you call a rideshare service, a friend, or someone else who can safely transport you home.
6. Be Visible: While walking, running, or biking by the road during the day, make sure you wear bright, visible colors. Avoid going by the road at night, but if you must, wear reflective gear. For example, avid runners might take to the paths early in the morning or at night, before the heat sets in. If you do take a run before or after the sun rises, invest in a reflective vest, reflective shoes, or running clothes with reflective patches.
Let Our Firm Help You
As much as these safety practices can help, they aren’t always enough to prevent accidents from happening. If you were injured in a pedestrian traffic accident, our firm is prepared to help you with the recovery process. Traffic collision injuries can be painful and serious, especially for pedestrians, which is why it is so important to hold the liable party responsible for the damage they caused. Our lawyers at Scarzafava, Basdekis & Dadey, PLLC can use our ample resources to fight for your rights and obtain the compensation you deserve.
Contact Scarzafava, Basdekis & Dadey, PLLCtoday to discuss your potential pedestrian injury case with our firm.