Every time you go on a walk near a roadway you are at risk of being involved in a pedestrian accident. With 5,376 people killed in pedestrian accidents in 2015, it is vital that you are careful anytime you are near the roads.Around 129,000 pedestrians had to be treated in emergency departments across the United States in 2015 for accidents that happened as a result of a vehicle colliding with them. Many of these individuals were crossing the road in accordance with the law.
What can you do to protect yourself from a pedestrian accident?
First, know that the people most likely to get into an accident are the elderly and children. If you are walking with an elderly family member or friend, make sure the roadway is clear before you attempt to cross. The elderly may struggle to cross quickly, which can lead to an accident, so make eye contact or wave to drivers as you pass so that you know you have time to cross.
In the case of children, make sure you hold their hands at all crosswalks and intersections. This will prevent them from running into the road prematurely.
Drivers can help prevent accidents by slowing down. Slowing down not only helps drivers see pedestrians more clearly ahead of time, but it also reduces the risk of serious injuries if there is an accident. Drivers should always stop before the crosswalk and stay stopped until people are out of the crosswalk completely.
If you are injured as a result of a dangerous driver, you have rights. You shouldn’t have to worry about your safety in a crosswalk, and you may wish to pursue a claim to reassert your rights and seek compensation.
Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “Pedestrian Safety,” accessed July 27, 2017