Pedestrian agency and safety on the road

Pedestrians are ever more vulnerable on the streets of Illinois. They’re not only dealing with cars and bikes; threats like motorized scooters and Segways are on the sidewalks too. Some areas don’t even have sidewalks, yet people there will still find a need to walk places. How can pedestrians stay safe in those conditions? Here are some tips that can help pedestrians take control and prioritize their own safety.

Tips to avoid an accident

There are some tips that everyone should follow to avoid pedestrian accidents. The first is to use sidewalks as much as possible. If you are in areas where there are no sidewalks, you should not follow the same procedures as cars. Instead, you should walk facing traffic so that you can see drivers, and drivers can see you as clearly as possible.

It’s a good idea to make eye contact with drivers whenever you need to cross the street. This is true whether or not you’re on a sidewalk. Making eye contact is a way of confirming that a driver has seen you. It will also give you a read on how aware they are and how predictable their behavior will be. Always look both ways before crossing the street.

Finally, make it a point to be visible. Wear light colors as much as possible. If you know you’ll be walking at night, try to select jackets and sneakers with reflective material. This will make it easier for drivers to see you.

What to do after an accident

If you or a loved one has been injured as a pedestrian, it’s important to contact an attorney. They may help you understand who might be liable for the injuries. That could be the municipality, a driver or a car manufacturer.