Walking is an excellent form of exercise, and many individuals use their feet as a means of transportation to reach their destinations. However, a person crossing an intersection or walking on the road may be vulnerable to critical injuries. Pedestrians are at higher risks of experiencing serious injuries in a motor vehicle accident than individuals who are inside a vehicle.
Pedestrians who have sustained injuries due to the fault of another party, an auto accident lawyer may show you the path towards the accident claim process.
Therefore, it is important for everyone to be cautious when on the road, either while walking or while operating a vehicle. According to a report by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, more than 6,200 pedestrians died in accidents in 2019.
In addition, road accidents cause many people to suffer critical injuries while they are walking, often leading to hospitalization. Drivers must hone their driving skills and carefully follow the safety rules to prevent pedestrian accidents from occurring.
Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents
The following are some of the common reasons why a pedestrian accident may occur:
- Distracted driving
- Drunken driving
- Inattentive behavior
- Violating traffic signals and laws
- Exceeding speed limits in school and residential zones
- Driving under the influence of drugs and other substances
- Extreme weather conditions
- Impatient drivers
- Wearing dark-colored clothes at night
- Crossing an intersection against the traffic signal
In a pedestrian accident, both the driver and the person walking on the road could be at fault. There are times when a pedestrian is not focusing on where they are walking or are otherwise distracted, which may lead to accidents. In other cases, drivers fail to pay attention to the road, creating a hazard for pedestrians and other motorists.
Distracted driving, speeding, inattentive behavior, and drunken driving are significant factors that can lead to critical consequences. When a driver is under the influence of drugs or alcohol, they are not in a state to operate a vehicle safely. The outcome of these accidents can be adverse and may affect the person. Continue reading to discover some tips and ways on how you can prevent these potential risks.
Tips for Avoiding Mishaps on the Road
Both the drivers and pedestrians should take precautionary measures to prevent these types of accidents. Here are some tips to keep in mind that may help pedestrians reduce the risk of becoming involved in a road accident:
- Follow safety rules and signals: It is important to obey all traffic signals and laws. Violating a traffic law could have critical consequences and cost you your life.
- Walk on sidewalks: Whenever a sidewalk is available, you should consider walking on it instead of in the street. If there is no sidewalk, you should walk as far from traffic as possible.
- Never assume that drivers can see you: You should never assume that you are visible to drivers on the road. Instead, try to make eye contact with drivers before you cross the road in front of their vehicles.
- Make yourself as visible as possible to drivers: Your clothing also can play a significant role in helping to prevent pedestrian accidents. If you are going out to walk during the day, it may be helpful for you to wear bright clothing. In addition, you should consider making yourself more visible when you are walking in the dark by using reflective materials on your clothing or by carrying a flashlight along with you. It can improve the chances that a driver will see you on the road and minimize the occurrence of accidents.
- Remain alert and cautious: Before crossing a road, you should always keep an eye on the traffic. In addition, you should be sure to remain alert and free from distractions.
- Cross streets at intersections or crosswalks: Before you cross a street, you should look for cars and vehicles in all directions. In areas where there is no intersection, you should carefully time your crossing and make sure that there is enough of a gap in the traffic.
- Avoid consuming alcohol and drugs: Whether you are walking or driving on the road, you should avoid consuming alcohol and drugs. These substances may impair your abilities and judgment, which can increase the risk of an accident.
- Hold children’s hands: If you are walking along with small children, be sure that you are holding their hands for additional safety.
- Be extra careful: A minor mistake or distraction can lead to dangerous consequences. Therefore, it is essential to pay attention and be extra careful while walking along roads.
Safety Tips for Drivers
All motorists should be extra cautious and look out for pedestrians whenever they are on the road. In the event of an accident, one should avoid leaving the site. Leaving the scene of an accident can lead to a hit and run case against the driver, which can result in criminal charges and hefty penalties.
Leaving the scene of a car accident is never a solution in these types of situations. Here are some safety tips that drivers should follow to reduce the risks of accidents:
- Be extra cautious: Driving at night or in extreme weather conditions can be difficult. In these situations, drivers should pay extra attention to the road.
- Slow down: You should avoid driving at excessive speeds, even when the road is empty. When you are driving at higher speeds, you may lose control of your vehicle, which often increases the likelihood that an accident will occur. In addition, you should obey the posted speed limits. If you drive faster than the speed limit, especially in a school zone, you may have to face hefty penalties.
- Be cautious when driving in reverse: At any moment, there could be someone walking on the road behind your vehicle. This is why it is so important to take all necessary precautions before backing up your car.
- Avoid consuming alcohol and drugs: If you plan to get behind the wheel, you should always avoid consuming alcohol and taking drugs that may impair your judgment or reflexes.
- Avoid distracted driving: When you are operating a vehicle, you should always avoid using your mobile phone or doing anything that could take your attention away from the road. Distracted driving is a leading cause of serious road accidents.
Strengthening your traffic safety knowledge can help to prevent accidents, including those that involve pedestrians. If you have been involved in an accident as a result of someone else’s negligence, you should consider consulting a skilled Accident Lawyer to learn about the legal options available to you.