Pedestrian-vehicle accidents: Causes and safety tips
On Behalf of The Law Offices of Goldfine & Bowles, P.C.
May 23, 2018
As a pedestrian, you realize that you could be part of an accident with a motor vehicle at some point. Of course, you don’t want to think about this often as you realize just how dangerous it can be.
The more knowledge you have of pedestrian accidents, the easier it is to avoid trouble. Here are some of the top causes of accidents:
- Reckless driving, including speeding
- Distracted driving, such as talking on the phone or texting
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Drowsy driving
- Failure to use turn signals
- Failure to obey all traffic signals and signs
- Failure to yield to pedestrians at crosswalks
As a pedestrian, you know that there will always be motor vehicles in close proximity to where you’re walking. The problem with this is that you don’t have any control over what these people do.
For example, even if you have your eyes on a car, you don’t know if the driver is under the influence of alcohol or texting. Furthermore, there’s nothing you can personally do to stop the person from breaking the law.
If you’re interested in doing something to improve your safety, here are a few tips to follow:
- Use crosswalks if you must get from one side of the street to the other
- Don’t ignore the walk signal at an intersection
- Be careful when entering traffic, especially if it’s moving
- Never dart into traffic, as drivers may not see you
It’s not always easy to follow these tips, especially when you’re in a hurry, but you should carefully consider every move you make. It only takes one mishap, such as stepping into a crowded street, to cause an accident.
In the event of a pedestrian-vehicle accident the best thing you can do is stay where you are and wait for help to arrive. If you’re unable to call 911, ask a witness to do so for you.
It’s possible you have suffered major injuries, so make sure you receive treatment and do whatever your medical team advises. Once stable, you can learn more about the accident, the cause and what you can to do protect your legal rights in the near future.