We sometimes become careless, especially in the areas we are familiar with. We become unaware of the dangers of walking in the street and forget about our safety. Unfortunately, pedestrian accidents are common, and they result in severe injuries or they can be fatal at times. Drivers usually have protective gear that can protect them against dangerous situations, but pedestrians don’t have any protection and they are not required to wear any protective gear. That’s why pedestrians need to pay more attention and comply with safety precautions to keep themselves away from danger. Following these tips will ensure that you go back to your family safe and sound.
Be Visible to Drivers
One of the main reasons for pedestrian accidents is that drivers didn’t see the person walking, either because it was too dark or something was obstructing their view. You must make sure that drivers can see you so they can avoid hitting you accidentally. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), most fatalities caused by pedestrian accidents happen between 8 pm and 12 am when it is dark. That’s why you should always make eye contact with drivers to know they are seeing you, wear light-colored clothes during the night, stay in well-lit areas, and not cross the road from behind another vehicle.
Walk on Pedestrian-Designated Places
It is entirely up to you to make sure that you always stay safe as you walk on the streets. That’s why it is important to walk in safe places. While walking down the street, you should use crosswalks, tunnels, sidewalks, or bridges. If you abide by traffic rules and keep your eye out for the signs that are put up, you’ll be just fine, and if you didn’t follow them, you will be the one at fault. You should stay on the right side of the sidewalk if possible, and if there are no sidewalks, walk on the left side of the street to face traffic. Jaywalking or crossing an intersection diagonally can put you in great danger, so try to stick to crosswalks all the time.
Don’t Get Distracted
Getting distracted while walking in the street can be extremely dangerous, especially if you are traveling close to a roadway. If you are distracted, you might unknowingly ignore traffic rules and put yourself in danger. Distractions such as listening to music through headphones, talking on the phone, texting, or reading are the main causes of accidents, and according to pedestrian accident lawyers at https://www.davidchristensenlaw.com/ann-arbor-personal-injury-lawyer/pedestrian-accident/, if it has been proven that you were distracted when the accident happened, you will be at fault and will not get any compensation. It is essential to stay alert while walking in the street to avoid any unpleasant accidents that can be a danger to your life.
Avoid Alcohol or Drugs
If you are impaired due to alcohol or drug consumption, it might be a good idea not to walk in the street as you might put yourself and others in danger. It is well known that alcohol can affect a person’s ability to function and make reasonable decisions, which you need while crossing the roadway, for example. Drugs also may affect your decision-making or make you careless. It is better to stay off the streets if you are impaired, or wait somewhere till you are sober.
Stay Alert
You must be alert all the time while walking down the street, as accidents happen in a flash. You should look both ways if you are crossing the road, as some drivers may ignore a red traffic light. Speeding drivers might not have the time to evade you, but you can stay out of the way easily and save your life if you are paying attention. Whether you are passing in front of a tall parked vehicle or at a crosswalk, you should take a look behind those vehicles to see if there are any vehicles approaching. Drivers might not see you passing in front of a bus or a big truck, but a quick glance can save your life. Finally, watch out for vehicles entering or exiting roadways as they might not see you crossing the street.
Pedestrian-auto accidents are ugly, as the pedestrian suffers severe injuries that might lead to death. That’s why everyone should stay alert while walking down the street to keep themselves and others safe. If you have followed all of the traffic lights and laws, you can ask for compensation if you have been in an accident. However, it is better to be safe than sorry, so make sure to eliminate any distractions while walking or crossing the street and stay sober.
