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The risks pedestrians face in traffic

On Behalf of | Aug 30, 2018 | Car Accidents |

During the summer months, while warm weather persists, you might choose to enjoy the numerous benefits of doing most of your traveling outside the confines of a motor vehicle. Walking not only provides you with an excellent means of exercise, but it is also cost-efficient, and in some cases, it could even be less stressful. 

However, walking also comes with some inherent risks, especially if you walk in areas close to traffic. As a pedestrian, the lack of protective barriers afforded by a motor vehicle may leave you with less to shield you from harm, and a collision could leave you with serious or permanent injuries.

Knowing the risks of walking near traffic

There could be a variety of scenarios in which a negligent driver could place your safety in jeopardy. However, some tend to be more prevalent than others, and the potential hazards you may encounter as a pedestrian on Tennessee roads might include:

  • Decrease in visibility: As a pedestrian, you are more difficult to spot out on the road, and if a driver fails to take note of your presence, you could be the one who suffers the consequences.
  • Moment of inattention: Distracted driving is a serious issue, and even a moment of inattention on the part of a driver could leave you scrambling to move out of the path of a fast-moving car.
  • Presence of impairment: Impairment is the cause of far too many motor vehicle accidents. Although each of these incidents runs the unfortunate risk of being exceedingly dangerous, those involving pedestrians can have catastrophic consequences.
  • Reckless drivers: Excessive speeding and frequent and dangerous maneuvers can be dangerous driving behaviors that may leave a driver will little time to react to your presence.

Certain areas, such as intersections, can also be hot-spots for pedestrian-related collisions. When approaching an intersection, you may find it advisable to proceed with caution, but caution might not always be enough.

When caution isn’t enough

In some cases, reacting in time to avoid a fast-moving vehicle can be nearly impossible, and if a car hits you, there is a chance you may suffer serious harm in the process. With the staggering costs of medical care, your accident could leave you in a significant financial bind.

If the other party is at fault, you may wish to pursue restitution, and by seeking guidance from someone with experience in the area, you could become better prepared to pursue the compensation you deserve through a personal injury claim.