5 Tips for Preventing Pedestrian Accidents

One of the last things a pedestrian expects when walking down the street is to be involved in a car accident. Pedestrian accidents with vehicles may appear to be uncommon, but they occur frequently on city streets.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported over 7,000 pedestrian deaths and 50,000 pedestrian injuries just in 2021. After a pedestrian accident, you may need help recovering. Palm Bay personal injury lawyers can help you get justice and compensation.

Here are some important facts about pedestrian accidents and ways to avoid them.

What Causes Pedestrian Accidents?

Over 7,000 pedestrian fatalities are expected to occur in 2021, up from almost 6,000 in 2017. Traffic accidents and pedestrian death can occur due to several factors, including:

1. Distracted Driving

   Using the phone while driving can put pedestrians and other drivers at risk of an accident. Similarly, pedestrians risk getting hit if they focus on their phones or other digital devices while crossing a street. You should avoid using a digital device while walking or driving to ensure your safety on the road.

2. Failure to Give Way

   Drivers and pedestrians have the “right of way” in certain situations or rotations. If the traffic signal indicates, a driver must let a pedestrian cross a crosswalk. Traffic violations like failing to yield the right of way result in damages.

3. Poor Visibility

   Poor visibility on the road can be caused by several factors, such as bad weather conditions, poor headlights, pedestrians wearing dark outfits, and objects or vehicles on the roadside. It is a cause of pedestrian deaths, and it is up to road users to stay cautious to avoid such.

4. Driving Under the Influence

   Drunk driving causes thousands of accidents each year. 15% of fatal pedestrian accidents in 2017 involved drivers with blood alcohol concentrations over 0.08%. Drugs and alcohol impair judgment, making street use difficult.

Road users should follow their legal duty of care towards each other to prevent such accidents from happening. Proving negligence might seem easy, but the courts will consider several factors before determining which party is at fault in car accident and liable for the damages. Drivers should exercise reasonable care by following all the traffic rules and paying keen attention to the weather conditions. Pedestrians should also play their part in exercising care to ensure their safety.

How Can You Prevent a Pedestrian Accident?

People have different preferences for transportation, but everyone is a pedestrian at some point in their lives. Drivers and pedestrians should adhere to traffic rules to avoid causing tragedies. Following safety precautions can reduce the rate of traffic accidents and pedestrian deaths. Some of the tips you should follow to avoid getting involved in a pedestrian accident include:

1. Avoid Distractions

   Walking while not paying attention to the oncoming traffic can put you in danger. You could walk out into the street or get too close to a vehicle, causing an accident. Avoid using cell phones, headphones, earbuds, or digital devices while walking by the roadside or along the crosswalk.

   You should not assume that a driver can see you just because you can see them. Wait until the driver stops at the crosswalk before exercising your right of way.

2. Stay Away from Traffic

   Spending time on the road increases the risk of getting hit by a car and picking up a serious injury. You should walk along the sidewalk or path if there is one available to reduce your chances of getting hit. If there is no sidewalk, ensure you walk safely away while facing the traffic. Facing oncoming traffic allows you to react in case a vehicle seems close to hitting you.

3. Avoid Drugs and Alcohol

   Drug and alcohol consumption impairs your judgment, increasing your chances of getting hit. Alcohol pushes people to engage in risky behaviors, such as walking into traffic or dangerously crossing streets. You could experience hallucinations or find it hard to move aside when a vehicle comes your way. Always ensure that you cross streets with a sober mind to avoid getting involved in an accident.

4. Enhance Your Visibility

   Lack of visibility is one of the most common causes of road accidents. Most accidents occur at night or during harsh weather conditions due to the driver’s inability to see clearly. Increase your visibility by wearing bright or reflective clothing at night. It will allow drivers to see you on time and slow down.

5. Cross The Street at Crosswalks

   Drivers are required to allow pedestrians to cross the street at the crosswalk. Crossing at points other than the crosswalks might surprise a driver and give them little time to react, causing an accident.

Children and senior citizens above 65 make up almost one-third of pedestrian injuries and deaths in urban areas. It is crucial to educate your children on road safety and remind your elderly loved ones to reduce the risk of injury. Drivers have an equal responsibility to follow traffic rules and keep pedestrians safe. They can prevent pedestrian and motor vehicle accidents by:

1. Drive with extra caution in conditions affecting your visibility.
2. Avoid driving under the influence.
3. Slow down when turning into an intersection or approaching a crosswalk.
4. Avoid speeding in school zones, neighborhoods, and areas with people on the street.
5. Yield to pedestrians in crosswalks and maintain a safe distance.
6. Look out for pedestrians, especially when backing up from a parking lot.
7. Pay attention to the traffic signals.

Talk to the Palm Bay Personal Injury Attorneys

Getting involved in a pedestrian accident can be traumatizing, as you may suffer catastrophic injuries. You might suffer the effects of serious injury for a while, and potentially for life. You have to exercise your rights and file a claim whenever you get into an accident caused by the other party. Insurance companies can make it difficult for you to obtain the compensation you deserve by devaluing your injuries or denying your claims.

A skilled personal injury attorney can help you gather evidence to hold motor vehicle drivers the driver accountable for your injuries. The experienced attorneys at Alpizar Law Firm will help you receive financial coverage for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. We have over 65 years of combined experience dealing with personal injury cases involving pedestrians. Call us today at 321-676-2511 to get a free consultation.