Tips for Pedestrians to Avoid Accidents
Pedestrian often suffer severe injuries when involved in automobile accidents. There are measures that pedestrians can take to avoid these horrible accidents. You may not be able to control other people’s actions, but you can reduce the risk of being involved in an accident. Pedestrians are vulnerable because they are more likely to be seriously injured in an accident, and unfortunately, many motorists cause pedestrian accidents due to careless driving.
Prevention Tips for Pedestrians
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Stay alert for motor vehicles. Pay attention to traffic signals, refrain from using headphones, and keep your eyes wide open. Cell phones are very distracting. Focus your attention on your surroundings. Even if you are paying attention to crosswalks and street signals, motorists may not be and that’s when your risk is increased.
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The elderly, older adults, and young children face a higher risk of being involved in pedestrian accidents. They should be extra cautious and aware of their surroundings. Take extra time and care when in busy intersections or places where boundaries between motorists and pedestrians are lax.
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Enhance your visibility at dawn, in the evening, and in other conditions where light is low by wearing reflective or bright clothing and using a flashlight. This will increase your visibility to motorists. Never flash a light at drivers because you may startle them or interfere with their vision of the road. On days with reduced visibility consider alternate walking paths or routes.
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Use designated crosswalks at intersections whenever possible. If a sidewalk or path is not accessible, walk on the shoulder of the road and face oncoming traffic. This allows you more time to react to motorists who may be driving while intoxicated, drowsy, or distracted. While the motorists may be at fault, the pedestrian can still overt disasterous accidents and injuries.
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Make sure you allow yourself ample time to cross the street. Be aware of your physical condition and limitations. Do not rush to make the light signal and instead, wait until the light signal initially turns green. Remember that just because your signal is green or you are instructed to proceed that the drivers may not see their “red”. Monitor the behavior of those nearby.
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Look before you cross the street, even if you are in a crosswalk and have a green signal. Remain alert and look both ways before crossing. Having the right of way will not put a stop to you being hit.
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Do not assume that you are visible to drivers or that they are even watching for you. Road conditions, other distractions and external elements can instantly distract drivers.
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Stay out of a motorist’s blind spot. You are in the blind spot if you cannot see the driver in the driver’s side mirror.
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Attempt to make eye contact with the motorist, especially if you are crossing in front of a stopped vehicle or a vehicle that is coming to a stop. They may be only looking for a green light, and whey see it may go, without re-checking their surroundings.
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If you have any doubts or fear for your safety, do not cross. It is better to spend a few more minutes waiting to cross or walking a little further to a safer crosswalk than to risk crossing dangerously.
Contact a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
If you have been involved in an accident, an Inland Empire pedestrian accident attorney can help you obtain damages for your injuries. Taking steps to avoid being in an accident is a great preventive measure, but even the most cautious pedestrian can be the victim of a reckless driver. If you were injured in a pedestrian accident, contact an experienced pedestrian injury lawyer at Moga Law Firm. Our dedicated attorneys have over 25 Years of experience handling pedestrian accidents. We can help you recover the maximum compensation for your injuries.
Scot Thomas Moga, a dedicated attorney in San Bernardino & Riverside Counties who represents clients in the many types of personal injury, workers’ compensation and estate planning cases.
