We all are pedestrians at some point. While it’s a normal part of life, it can also be incredibly dangerous. Pedestrians don’t have a lot of protection, keeping them from oncoming cars. You need to remain vigilant and cautious when crossing the street or walking along a busy road.
As a pedestrian, you have a responsibility to help maintain the safety of drivers and other pedestrians nearby. There are some rules you need to follow to keep yourself and others out of danger.
Each year, thousands of pedestrians are killed in roadside accidents. That’s about one death every 88 minutes or so. Over 130,000 pedestrians are involved in non-fatal accidents each year, resulting in injuries that must be treated.
As an experienced injury law firm, the Nick Schnyder Law Firm wants to give you a list of pedestrian safety tips that will help you avoid serious injury or even death. It’s essential to follow these guidelines and pay attention to the cars on the road whenever you are walking next to a street.
Walk In Safe Places
While cars on the road need to maintain safe distances from pedestrians and make sure to follow the road’s laws, pedestrians also need to do their part. Walking alongside the road requires careful observation.
You need to make sure you follow laws for pedestrians, such as:
- Use crosswalks when you cross the street.
- Walk on the left side of the street, facing traffic when there is no sidewalk.
- Use bridges designated for pedestrians.
- Use sidewalks when they are available.
- Don’t cross intersections diagonally if they aren’t designed that way.
- Avoid walking on highways where pedestrians are prohibited.
Always observe your surroundings even when using a crosswalk or walking in designated pedestrian areas. Pedestrians can never be too careful, even in safer places.
Always Be Visible
Drivers are more likely to hit you if they don’t know you’re there. Make sure you are visible to drivers at all times.
Here are a few ways you can make yourself more visible as a pedestrian:
- Make eye contact with approaching motorists.
- Wear lightly colored or reflective clothing at night.
- Stay in well-lit areas, particularly when crossing a street.
If you follow all of these safety tips, you are less likely to be struck by a driver who didn’t know you were there until it was too late.
Stay Alert & Avoid Distractions
Nowadays, it’s easy to be distracted by technology. From texting and walking to listening to music with earbuds in, it’s easy to forget about the dangers around you when walking across a street.
To stay safe as a pedestrian, you need to reduce your distractions. Put your smartphone down, pay attention to the road, and always be aware of any nearby vehicles. It’s easier to walk into oncoming traffic if you’re looking at your screen and can’t hear what’s going on around you.
Here are some of the biggest distractions pedestrians face:
- Wearing headphones and listening to music
- Texting or talking on the phone
- Reading while walking
One essential pedestrian safety tip is to make sure you are alert when walking near a street. Observe all of the signs around you and obey the signals to avoid being hurt. They are designed to keep pedestrians safe from harm and prevent accidents.
Look Before You Step
Never assume that a driver is going to obey the traffic signals you see. Always proceed with caution instead of predicting their movements. Look both ways before you cross the street, check for cars turning on the corner, and look across ALL lanes before proceeding.
Even if one driver stops, the others may not follow suit. Act like the drivers will ignore the signals in front of them, then walk once it’s clear it is safe to do so.
Distracted drivers are also an issue to be aware of. If you’re paying attention, but a driver is not, you could be the reason an accident is avoided. Pay attention to the roadway at all times when walking.
Avoid Alcohol & Drugs
Alcohol is a severe factor in fatal pedestrian crashes, with 49 percent of crashes involving alcohol either for the driver or pedestrian. Alcohol and drugs impair a person’s ability to react correctly and make responsible decisions.
Just like drivers should never operate a vehicle while driving, pedestrians should avoid consuming large quantities of alcohol if they’ll be walking near areas of heavy traffic. Don’t let alcohol or drugs impair your ability to walk safely and cautiously next to a busy street.
Impaired pedestrians put a risk to themselves and others. This is an important pedestrian safety tip to remember if you are out drinking.
The Rights of Injured Pedestrians
Sometimes, you get hurt even after following all of these pedestrian safety tips. If you are a pedestrian and you have been injured by an oncoming vehicle, there are essential steps you need to follow to receive the best possible care and compensation.
Immediately after the accident, you should seek medical attention. If your pain isn’t too severe, make sure to get photos of the accident scene, the car that hit you, and gather information from witnesses. If you’re poorly injured, of course, your medical care comes first.
Insurance adjusters assume you aren’t that hurt if you don’t receive medical care right after the accident, so make sure you get help as soon as you can. This ensures you properly document your injuries for your claim.
When it comes to legal action after being hit by a vehicle, you must contact an experienced personal injury attorney to help with your case. The negligent driver who hit you is usually considered to be at fault; an attorney can help you get the compensation you need after your accident.
Call The Nick Schnyder Law Firm
Are you a pedestrian injured by a negligent or reckless driver? The Nick Schnyder Law Firm is ready to take on your case and fight for your rights. We will help you obtain the maximum compensation allowed under Georgia law.
Nick Schnyder understands the law and can help you navigate the complex legal system to ensure that you and your family get the compensation you deserve after your accident. Contact us today to learn your options and hear how we will fight for you.
