How To Avoid Pedestrian Accidents

Many of us are pretty concerned about our fitness, which is why we take on the streets and roads for walking, jogging, and running. However, we aren’t equally mindful of the risk of pedestrian accidents. Alarmingly, around 5,977 pedestrians were killed in traffic crashes in 2017 alone. This means that a pedestrian was killed every 88 minutes in an accident during the year, on average. While there’s no way to predict how a driver is going to behave on the road, taking certain steps can help you protect yourself from potential pedestrian accidents.

What Can Pedestrians Do?

Wear Bright Clothes

Understandably, the majority of pedestrian accidents occur in the dark. Making wise choices about what you wear could make a huge difference between life and death. When walking at night, always consider wearing bright clothes, including reflective jackets, hats, and vests. In addition, if there’s snow on the roadways or sidewalks, wear proper, sturdy shoes in good traction.

Don’t Block Your Vision

Bundling up in the cold doesn’t mean that you let your scarf, hat, or hood block your vision. Keep your vision clear so you can easily see ahead and on your sides.

Stick to Sidewalks

In wet or snowy conditions, it’s common for cars to slip and collide with anything that comes in the way. To protect yourself while walking, it’s best to stay on the sidewalks instead of walking on roads. When there’s no choice other than walking on the road, stay close to the curb and walk facing the traffic.

Choose Well-Lit Areas to Walk

Wearing bright clothes may not be enough. If the vision of a driver is compromised due to poor lighting, you will remain under threat. Therefore, plan your route so that you stay in well-lit spaces. This way, both you and another driver should be able to see each other clearly.

What Can Drivers Do?

Don’t Immediately Dart Around a Vehicle that Stops in Front of You

When a vehicle in front of you stops, it’s tempting to make assumptions and trying to drive around them quickly. If the driver stopped to allow a pedestrian to pass and you attempt to overtake them, you may involve yourself in a pedestrian accident. Instead, maintain a safe distance between you and the other vehicle, so you have enough time to stop and don’t ever try to drive past them without another thought.

Slow Down in Pedestrian Areas

Pedestrians can be more unpredictable than you think, and slowing down in pedestrian areas should give you a couple of extra seconds to spot them and react to avoid a pedestrian accident.

Try to Establish Eye Contact

When you make eye contact with a passing pedestrian, they know you’ve seen them. This is a great form of communication that eliminates confusion and clarifies expectations, thereby helping you avoid pedestrian accidents.

Conclusion

While following the above-explained tips can effectively help you avoid pedestrians, nothing is totally certain. If you’ve been a victim of a pedestrian accident, contact the Law Offices of John V. O ‘Connor, an expert personal injury lawyer in Kenosha, for assistance in filing your claims.