Walking is a healthy, eco-conscious way to get around. With spring arriving across the country, it’s a great time to consider commuting to work on foot or spending a few hours walking around the park on the weekend with your family. While walking is certainly an activity you should enjoy, there are also ways you can ensure it’s as safe as possible.
In 2019, there were 6,205 pedestrians killed in accidents involving motor vehicles, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Many more were seriously injured.
Here are some of the ways you can be a safer pedestrian:
- Don’t be a distracted pedestrian. Using a cell phone while you are walking is really dangerous. Although you aren’t behind the wheel, you still need to have your head up and your eyes on your surroundings.
- Be cautious with headphones. They reduce your awareness of your surroundings and may block out the sound of someone calling out to you, warning you, or alerting you to their presence.
- Always use the sidewalk. If there isn’t a sidewalk, at least try to walk where you are facing toward traffic so you can better see motorists approaching you.
- Wear reflective clothing. Reflective clothing will help ensure that you are seen during the low-light hours. During the day, you should wear brightly colored clothing for the same reason.
- Use crosswalks. If a crosswalk is not available, make sure you are at least crossing at a point in the road where you can see all lanes of approaching traffic.
- Avoid being an intoxicated pedestrian. Although we’ve all been taught the dangers of drunk driving, walking while under the influence is also hazardous because your vision, judgment, and reaction time are affected.
- Don’t assume motorists see you. Sometimes they are distracted or not looking at the road ahead. Keep this in mind when crossing the road and try to make eye contact with drivers before walking in front of them.
If you are a pedestrian who has been injured by a careless or reckless driver, then you may be entitled to maximum injury compensation and justice. Please use our directory to search for an experienced lawyer in your area so that you can discuss your case.
