Tips Everyone can Follow to Help Prevent Pedestrian Accidents

At some point during the day, we are all pedestrians. If you are not in a motor vehicle, you are a pedestrian. During the warm-weather months, the number of people walking from place to place greatly increases. Unfortunately, so does the risk that they will be involved in a car accident. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there were nearly 6,000 pedestrians killed in traffic accidents in 2017. Though this is less than the number of pedestrians killed in 2016, pedestrian fatalities still remain a large issue in our country.

Pedestrian accidents can result in serious injuries, if not death. A 150-pound human is no match for a 3,000-pound car, especially if the vehicle is traveling at a relatively high rate of speed. Fortunately, pedestrian accidents can be avoided with a little effort from both drivers and pedestrians.

Tips for Drivers

In many areas, pedestrians have the right of way, meaning you must yield to them while they are in the street. Even if the pedestrian does not technically have the right of way, you are in a vehicle while they are unprotected; you could cause serious damage to them. Here are a few tips to help avoid a pedestrian accident:

• Always keep your eyes open. You never know when a pedestrian could appear;
• When you are in urban or suburban areas, you should exercise even more caution. These areas are where you are bound to see more people on the sidewalks and streets;
• Always yield to pedestrians in crosswalks. Never try to pass a vehicle that is stopped at a crosswalk – there could be pedestrians crossing in front of them; and
• Never drive while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Not only is this illegal, but it also decreases your ability to notice potential issues, such as pedestrians.

Tips for Pedestrians

It is not just drivers’ responsibility to keep pedestrians safe – you also must exhibit a certain level of responsibility for your own safety. Here are a few tips to help keep yourself safe on the road:

• Try to be as predictable as possible. If you are trying to cross a street, use a crosswalk if one is available. If not, cross at an intersection where drivers are more likely to expect you;
• Be as visible as possible. If you are walking at night, try to stay in well-lit areas. If the areas are not well-lit, wear bright colors or reflective materials to increase your visibility to drivers;
• Always use sidewalks if they are available. If there is no sidewalk, walk as far away from traffic as you can and walk facing traffic; and
• Be aware of your surroundings. Try not to let your cell phone or other electronic devices distract you. You should also not have headphones or earbuds covering both ears.

A Cook County Pedestrian Accident Lawyer can Help

If you have been involved in a car accident and have suffered injuries as a pedestrian, you may be entitled to financial compensation. Your first step is to contact a knowledgeable Orland Park, IL, pedestrian accident lawyer. At the Fotopoulos Law Office, we understand how catastrophic injuries sustained by a pedestrian can be. We will fight to get you the compensation that you deserve for your pain and suffering. Call our office at 708-942-8400 today to get started and schedule a free consultation.

Sources:

Everyone is a Pedestrian!

Traffic Safety Facts