Pedestrian and motor vehicle accidents can result in severe personal injury cases, often producing catastrophic injuries to the pedestrian victim or even the loss of a loved one. However, many pedestrian accidents can easily be avoided by taking extra precautions. Whether you are walking on or near city streets, residential neighborhoods, highways or rural roads, follow these tips to reduce the risk of being struck by a motor vehicle:
Be More Visible
Just like cyclists must be vigilant in making themselves more visible to drivers, pedestrians must also strive to make themselves better seen by motorists. This can be accomplished by traveling on foot during daylight hours only or by walking in well-lit areas. Additionally, pedestrians can wear bright or reflective clothing.
Look Both Ways
This tip goes for both motorists and pedestrians. Before entering an intersection or driving through one, it is important that both pedestrians and drivers alike carefully look both ways. This is especially important for motorists who are driving in areas where pedestrians frequent or where children might be dashing into the roadway (such as residential streets).
Follow the Law
There are very specific laws that pedestrians and motorists must follow. Some of these laws are the same for both. Both groups should be aware of right-0f-way laws in the areas where they frequent. In general, pedestrians (including joggers) must follow these rules:
- walk only in designated areas and utilize crosswalks where provided
- if there is no sidewalk, stand or walk only the shoulder of a road
- if there is no sidewalk or shoulder, stand or walk as close as possible to the outside edge of the road
- if on a two-lane roadway, stand or walk only on the left side of the road
- yield the right-of-way to all vehicles on the road, except as above
Be Alert
While distracted driving has received much media attention, distracted walking can also pose an additional risk of suffering personal injury. Pedestrians who are distracted by listening to music, talking on a cell phone or texting may not be as alert to potential dangers around them.
Pedestrians who are injured in an accident should promptly discuss their rights with a personal injury lawyer. Contact the experienced, dedicated personal injury and pedestrian accident attorneys at Brownstein & Nguyen.
