According to the U.S. Department of Justice, nearly 52% of all personal injury cases can be attributed to motor vehicle accidents. Being involved in a two-car crash is scary enough, but when a pedestrian is involved, the circumstances may become even more dire. Of course, if you are hurt in a pedestrian accident, you’ll need experienced personal injury lawyers by your side. But it’s imperative to prevent these kinds of accidents before they ever happen. We’ve put together some important safety tips for both drivers and pedestrians below to spread awareness and reduce your risk while on the road.
Safety Tips For Drivers
Always stay alert: It can be easy to let your mind wander while behind the wheel, especially when you’re in an area that’s very familiar to you. Unfortunately, this is when a pedestrian accident is more likely to occur. When driving through neighborhoods, residential areas, and intersections/crosswalks, it’s important to keep a sharp eye and proceed with caution. You should also avoid distractions (at all times, but especially in these areas).
Slow down and signal: Speed limits are in place for a reason. It’s imperative that you follow all posted speed limits, especially in neighborhoods, school zones, and heavily trafficked areas. In times of bad weather or poor visibility and lighting, you should reduce your speed even further. Make sure to always utilize your headlights, brights, and directional signals to reduce confusion.
Share the road and check blind spots: If you see a cyclist or pedestrian on the road, you need to give them more than enough space to keep them safe. That means you need to observe bike lanes and not follow or pass too closely. You should also check your blind spots, mirrors, and doors before taking any action, lest you not see a pedestrian nearby.
Safety Tips For Pedestrians
Don’t walk and text: Just like motorists should limit their distractions while behind the wheel, pedestrians should limit theirs while on the road. Using a smartphone will keep you from staying conscious of your surroundings and making safe choices, whether you’re on foot or in the car. According to a study from Ohio State University, pedestrians who used their cell phones while walking were 61% more likely to veer off course. Keep your phone in your pocket until you’ve reached your destination.
Light it up: The majority of pedestrian traffic fatalities occur at night in urban areas, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. If you do need to walk at night, you need to make sure motorists can see you. Otherwise, you may easily be involved in an accident and might need your personal injury lawyers‘ assistance to file a claim. To avoid this, wear reflective gear and light-colored clothing, carry a flashlight, and equip your bike with nighttime safety gear. You should also walk in well-lit areas whenever possible.
Never make assumptions: Any attorney will tell you that it’s better to be safe than sorry. Even if you have the legal right away, don’t assume that a driver will slow down or yield to you. You should always make an effort to make eye contact with drivers, even when using crosswalks. Depending on the time of day, weather, and other factors, a driver making a turn may fail to see you. In general, don’t make any unnecessary risks and definitely don’t presume a driver will follow the law or do the right thing.
If you’ve been involved in a pedestrian or motor vehicle accident, you may need help from experienced personal injury lawyers to file a claim. For more information or to schedule a consultation, contact us today.
