Motor vehicle accidents involving pedestrians are responsible for thousands of preventable injuries and deaths each year in the United States, and unfortunately, the problem is getting worse. According to a 2017 report by NPR, distraction is causing a record number of pedestrian deaths. But pedestrian accidents shouldn’t be an inevitability – they are entirely preventable when both drivers and walkers take the proper precautions.
Here are 6 tips pedestrians can take to protect themselves while walking:
- Walking at night? Consider wearing reflective clothing or carrying a flashlight. Also, be sure to cross the street in a well-lit area.
- Always walk on the sidewalk where there is one. If there is no sidewalk, walk facing traffic.
- Use crosswalks wherever available, but don’t allow them to give you a false sense of security. You should still use your senses and look both ways before entering the road in case there are drivers nearby who are not paying attention.
- Never assume that a car is going to stop for you. Make eye contact with the driver and make sure they stop before you enter the road.
- Never attempt to cross the street from between parked cars or from behind bushes or other areas from which a pedestrian is unexpected.
- Distracted driving is dangerous, but so is distracted walking! Avoid talking on a cell phone, listening to music through headphones, or looking down at your shoes or phone as you walk. Being aware of your surroundings is the simplest thing you can do to avoid being injured.
Injured? The Barrera Law Firm, PLLC Can Help.
If you have been injured in an accident with a motor vehicle while you were walking, you may have a valid legal claim and may be owed compensation. The Barrera Law Firm, PLLC would like to offer you a free consultation to help you understand your rights. Our Virginia personal injury attorneys are standing by to offer you the help you need to get through this challenging time!
Call today to discuss your case with us.