Pedestrian Safety Tips
If you’re not in a vehicle, being around cars and trucks can be a scary situation. Pedestrians and motor vehicles have to learn to co-exist, but sometimes it does not happen. Pedestrian accidents occur often and can be catastrophic or deadly.
In 2021, more than 7,000 pedestrians were killed in the United States. More than 60,000 were injured.
We are all pedestrians at some point. Some people do not drive or have reliable transportation, so they may be walking along roads more than others. They face a higher risk of being involved in a serious accident.
Drivers are not always looking for pedestrians. Many are distracted by their phones, radios, navigation systems, or passengers. Some are under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Others are dealing with visibility issues.
In any case, safety is key when driving or walking around vehicles. Here are some tips for drivers and pedestrians.
Safety Tips for Pedestrians
- Cross the road safely. Use crosswalks if available. If there are no crosswalks available, find a well-lit area with good visibility and wait for a gap in traffic to cross safely.
- Look both ways. Look to the left, right, and left again for vehicles before crossing. Even if you have the right of way, vehicles may not slow down for you.
- Follow the rules of the road. Obey all signs and signals. Do not cross the street unless you see a “walk” sign.
- Walk on sidewalks, if available. Stay as far away from the road as possible.
- Be visible. Wear bright or reflective clothing to increase visibility to drivers. Carry a flashlight or use a reflective vest when walking at night.
- Use caution in parking lots. Drivers may not be expecting pedestrians. Stay alert and watch for vehicles backing out of parking spaces.
Safety Tips for Drivers
- Be alert. Look for pedestrians at all times.
- Slow down near crosswalks. Reduce speed and be ready to stop to allow pedestrians to cross.
- Use extra caution when visibility is limited. Nighttime and poor weather conditions can make it harder to see pedestrians.
- Be cautious when backing up. It is harder to see when in reverse. Pedestrians may not see your vehicle backing up. Go slow and look in all directions for any hazards.
- Avoid alcohol and drugs. Intoxication can make it harder to stay alert and avoid accidents with pedestrians.
Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer
We’re all pedestrians at some point. We may need to cross a street or parking lot to get to school, work, our car, a store, or other location. As such, safety is important.
But even if you are as safe as can be, accidents can still happen. Get the legal help you need from a Houston pedestrian accident attorney from The West Law Office, PLLC. We will help you proceed with your case and resolve any issues with insurance agencies or other parties. To schedule a free consultation, call 281-347-3247 or fill out the online form.
Source:
nhtsa.gov/road-safety/pedestrian-safety
