Pedestrian accidents often result in serious injuries. Victims may suffer broken or fractured bones, lacerations, internal hemorrhaging, traumatic brain injuries, paralysis, and catastrophic injuries. When walking along the side of the road or crossing the street, there are several things you can do to increase your safety. Our firm has represented numerous victims of pedestrian accidents, and we want you to be informed of practical tips to keep you safe.
What Should You Do to Avoid an Accident?
1. Increase Your Visibility to Drivers
In general, drivers have a hard time spotting pedestrians, especially in inclement weather. In order to avoid this scenario, it is important to increase your visibility so drivers can see you clearly. During the day, you can wear bright colored clothing, and at night, it is a good idea to wear a reflective vest, and to walk in well-lit areas as much as possible. This can help avoid a collision.
Another way to be more visible is to intentionally make eye contact with drivers around you. If you are crossing the street, you should wait and make eye contact with drivers who may turn in front of you. By wearing bright clothing and making eye contact with drivers, you can stay safe as a pedestrian.
2. Obey All Traffic Laws
Just like drivers, you as a pedestrian have a responsibility to obey federal and state traffic laws. This means you should walk on the sidewalk and cross the street only when there is a marked crosswalk. Jaywalking is dangerous, and results in countless injuries each year in the U.S. Whether you are crossing the street in a place that does not allow pedestrians to cross, or you cross an intersection when the light says “Don’t Walk,” you are putting yourself and others in danger. You should also never assume a driver will give you the right-of-way. By following traffic laws and exercising caution, you can stay safe and avoid a serious collision.
3. Use Common Sense
Walking along the street or crossing an intersection while you are texting is very dangerous. It is best to avoid distractions, and to have at least one ear free to listen to the sounds around you. This can help you stay alert and avoid an accident. Even having a conversation with someone or listening to music with headphones can put you at risk for serious injuries. As long as your attention is distracted from the road, you will not be able to protect yourself from a crash. Thus, as a pedestrian, you should avoid distractions and keep your focus on the road.
4.Avoid Drinking Alcohol
While it seems common sense to not drink and drive, many people don’t think about the risk of drinking and walking. As a pedestrian, drinking alcohol can put you in danger of a crash. This is because alcohol impairs your judgment and ability to make quick decisions.
The effects of alcohol consumption include:
- Slowed reaction times
- Blurred or double vision
- Impaired physical reflexes
- Inability to concentrate or focus
- Inability to recognize and respond to dangerous situations
Depending on your weight, muscle mass, and food consumption, you may start to feel these effects after only one or two drinks. If you are bar hopping or clubbing, you should be careful while walking around busy streets. It is best to have an Uber or a designated driver pick you up at the curb instead of walking through town intoxicated. This can help you avoid a deadly collision.
Call Goeing Goeing & McQuinn PLLC Today at (859) 253-0088
At Goeing Goeing & McQuinn PLLC, we provide compassionate legal services to clients who have been injured by someone else's negligence. If you were injured in a pedestrian accident, our knowledgeable Lexington pedestrian accident lawyers can answer your questions and aggressively uphold your right to a settlement. We believe negligent or reckless drivers must be held accountable for their actions in court. Throughout the process, our team will work diligently to build your case as you pursue a favorable outcome.
Contact our office today to schedule a free initial case evaluation.