Pedestrian deaths have hit a 28-year high. Factors such as distracted driving and speed prevent drivers from seeing or slowing down for pedestrians. We bring you the following pedestrian safety tips to help prevent further pedestrian accidents.

PEDESTRIAN SAFETY TIPS

The carnage from pedestrian accidents has been on the rise. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety administration, in 2017, 5,977 pedestrians were killed in traffic crashes

Below are some very basic defensive pedestrian safety tips which should be followed by anyone crossing our roads and byways.

1. BE SMART AND ALERT: AVOID DANGEROUS BEHAVIORS

  • Always walk on the sidewalk. If there is no sidewalk, walk facing oncoming traffic.
  • Use marked crosswalks where available.
  • Don’t assume vehicles will stop. Make eye contact with drivers, not your cell phone!
  • Watch for traffic the entire time you’re in the crosswalk.
  • Do not cross in the middle of the street or between parked cars. Drivers are not expecting pedestrians to cross mid-block
  • Do not take “NO RIGHT TURN ON RED” signs for granted, always check for turning vehicles before stepping off the curb.
  • Use extra caution when crossing multiple-lane, higher speed streets.
  • Wear bright colors or reflective clothing if you are walking near traffic at night, and carry a flashlight.
  • Always hold your child’s hand while crossing the street.

2. BE CAREFUL AT CROSSINGS: LOOK BEFORE YOU STEP

  • Stop at the curb and look left, right and left again before you step into the street.
  • Be sure to evaluate the distance and speed of oncoming traffic before you step into the street to ensure that a vehicle has adequate distance in which to stop safely.
  • At intersections, always scan over your shoulder for turning vehicles. Make eye contact with the driver before crossing in front, making sure that the driver knows you are there.
  • Always look for signs that a car is about to move (rear lights, exhaust smoke, sound of motor, wheels turning), and never walk behind a vehicle that is backing up.
  • Children should not cross streets by themselves or be allowed to play or walk near traffic. Kids are small, unpredictable, and cannot judge vehicle distance and speed.
  • Never run or dash into the street.
  • In rain or snow, allow extra time and distance for a vehicle to stop.
  • If your view of approaching traffic is blocked by something, move to where you can see.

When you or a loved one has been injured in an accident, it’s important that you know your rights and responsibilities to help bring justice for your suffering and compensation to your pain. The team of personal injury professionals at Murphy & Pressentin can help you recover monetary compensation for the losses to you and your family.