According to the National Safety Council, about 6,000 pedestrians were hit and killed by motor vehicles in 2017. Regardless of whether you’re walking in an urban or rural area, it’s vital to pay attention to your surroundings and take certain safety precautions to protect yourself as a pedestrian in Texas.
Below, we’ll discuss safety tips that can keep you from getting struck by a car. If you’ve incurred injuries while walking, don’t hesitate to reach out to an experienced pedestrian accident lawyer at The Law Giant, Personal Injury & Accident Lawyers. You can count on us to investigate your case and educate you on your legal options. To schedule a free consultation of your case with The Law Giant, contact us today at (866) 523-4167.
How to Stay Safe as a Pedestrian
As a pedestrian, you are not always visible to drivers, especially those who are operating buses or large trucks. Therefore, it’s your responsibility to be cautious at all times when you are walking, crossing streets, and standing on corners. Ways you can stay safe as a pedestrian include:
Avoid Distractions
Walking while you’re distracted is just as dangerous as distracted driving. When you walk, refrain from talking on the phone, texting, or engaging in any other activity that takes your attention away from your surroundings. The key to preventing accidents is remaining alert of at all times.
Wear Reflective Clothing
If you’re walking at dawn, dusk, or at night, you need to do everything you can to make yourself visible. Consider wearing a reflective vest, belt with reflective strips, and reflective shoes. It can be all too easy for a driver to hit you if you’re wearing dark clothing in the dark.
Do Not Drink and Walk
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) discovered that nearly half of pedestrian-related car accidents have to do with alcohol consumption. Around 34% of those accidents involved a pedestrian who was under the influence. Just like drivers should never drink or drive, you should never drink and walk, especially in highly trafficked areas.
Cross Streets Safely
When you are crossing a street, cross at a corner and use traffic signals and crosswalks. Get into the habit of making eye contact with drivers before you cross in front of them. Sometimes, drivers who you think can see you actually have no idea you’re there, so this strategy can save lives.
Stay on Sidewalks
Whenever possible, stay on sidewalks. If there’s no sidewalk, walk on the far side of the road facing traffic so that you become more visible to drivers. To ensure optimal safety, it’s a good idea to avoid walking in areas without sidewalks.
Know the Rules of the Road
You should be aware of all traffic rules, signs, and signals so that you can anticipate the actions that drivers will likely take. Knowing all of this will also help increase your safety when you’re behind the wheel.
Most Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents
According to AAA, a common type of pedestrian accident occurs when a pedestrian darts out in the road or is being blocked from view by a stopped bus or car. Drivers who don’t look before backing out of a parking spot or driveway, and turning vehicles who are too focused on traffic to check for pedestrians, also frequently cause pedestrian accidents.
Injured in a Pedestrian Accident? Contact The Law Giant for Help
Sometimes, despite our best efforts to be safe while walking, drivers make mistakes and cause pedestrian accidents. If you’ve been injured in a pedestrian accident, The Law Giant, Personal Injury & Accident Lawyers can help you determine liability and may be able to recover compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and other damages. Call us at (866) 523-4167 today, or reach out through the online form to schedule a free, initial evaluation of your case.
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