Pedestrian Safety
Pedestrian safety is everyone’s concern. Both pedestrians and drivers should do their part to ensure that accidents don’t happen. Some states are safer than others when it comes to being a pedestrian but we can all do more to ensure that whether you’re getting to where you’re going on foot or by car that you and those around you get to their destination free from harm.
Statistics on Pedestrian Accidents and Ways To Prevent
As a driver, it’s important to be aware of the risks you pose to pedestrians – especially at intersections. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, thousands of fatalities occur each year as a result of pedestrian vs vehicle accidents. And while many of these accidents are unavoidable, the majority could be prevented if drivers were more attentive and followed the rules of the road.
Here are three reasons why it’s important to be a safe driver around pedestrians:
- Pedestrian fatalities account for a large number of traffic deaths each year.
- Many pedestrian accidents could be avoided if drivers were more attentive.
- Following the rules of the road can help keep both drivers and pedestrians safe.
For drivers, that means staying alert and obeying traffic laws, like stopping at red lights and yielding to pedestrians in crosswalks.
There are a few key things drivers can do to help keep pedestrians safe at intersections:
- Remember that all four corners of the intersection are connected by crosswalks, so you need to watch out for pedestrians on all four sides.
- Whenever a pedestrian is inside a crosswalk, he or she has the right of way, so you need to pay close attention to crosswalks and check for pedestrians before going through an intersection.
- Never stop inside a crosswalk, so pedestrians can safely cross through the intersection.
- Stay stopped while pedestrians are in your path going through the intersection. This applies to all intersections, regardless of traffic signals.
- If it’s a one-way street, drivers in all lanes at an intersection must stop and wait for the pedestrian to safely cross.
Moreover, pedestrians also need to be aware of their surroundings and take steps to stay safe, like crossing streets at intersections and using sidewalks when available.
Pedestrian Safety Tips
Pedestrians also have a part to play when it comes to promoting pedestrian safety. Being aware of the parts of the road that were crafted with pedestrians in mind is important.
Crosswalks are an important part of pedestrian safety. They provide a designated area for pedestrians to cross the street, and they help drivers know where to expect pedestrians. There are a few different types of crosswalks:
- Painted crosswalks: These are the most common type of crosswalk. They’re just painted on the street, and they can be any color.
- Median crosswalks: These crosswalks are in the middle of the road, and they’re used to help pedestrians cross multiple lanes of traffic.
- Diagonal crosswalks: These crosswalks are diagonal, and they’re used to make it easier for pedestrians to cross streets that have a lot of traffic.
- Raised crosswalks: These crosswalks are raised a few inches off the ground, and they’re used to make it easier for pedestrians who are visually impaired to cross the street.
In addition to helping pedestrians stay safe, crosswalks also help drivers know where to expect pedestrians. When drivers see a crosswalk, they know to slow down and be prepared to stop. This helps reduce the number of accidents that occur at intersections.
If you’re a pedestrian, it’s important to use crosswalks when you cross the street. Never try to cross the street in the middle of the road – you could get hit by a car!
Crosswalks are created to provide a safe place for pedestrians to cross the street, but unfortunately, even following the rules of the road can’t always prevent accidents from happening. Here are some tips to help protect yourself when crossing the street:
- Always be attentive when crossing, and make sure you’re aware of your surroundings
- Cross in designated crosswalks when possible
- Be cautious when crossing, especially if traffic is heavy
- Remember to use caution when stepping off the curb – drivers may not always be paying attention
Together we can all do our part to help create a safer word for pedestrians and drivers alike. By following the tips we can contribute to pedestrian safety.
If You’ve Been in a Pedestrian Accident…
Pedestrian accidents can cause more severe injuries and be more fatal than a motor vehicle accident. If you’ve suffered from an accident as a pedestrian, contact an attorney today to discuss your legal rights as a pedestrian. You shouldn’t have to figure out your personal injury claim on your own. Get the right help you need to recover what you are entitled to.
