What are Some Safety Precautions Pedestrians Can Take to Avoid Accidents?

Pedestrians involved in vehicle accidents often suffer very severe injuries, based on the fact that they have no protection against impact. If you were struck by a car or another type of motor vehicle, consult an attorney about your prospects for pursuing a case.

In any accident, the court looks at all parties involved and weighs whether they took reasonable precautions to avoid an accident. This evaluation enters into the court’s adjudication of negligence, which is based on a person’s “duty of care.” The Highway Safety Research Center provides some safety tips you can follow when walking to reduce your risk of being involved in an accident:

• Use sidewalks whenever possible
• Only cross and enter streets legally
• Stay out of restricted zones and off freeways
• If no sidewalks, walk facing traffic
• Make your actions predictable
• Make eye contact with drivers to ensure they see you, and be wary if they do not
• Do not walk if you have been drinking alcohol or using drugs, as they impair your reactions
• Be extremely careful when crossing high-speed streets or multiple-lane roads

You have heard of driving defensively. You can also walk defensively. For example, never assume that cars will stop simply because you are in a crosswalk or crossing at a red light. Sometimes drivers do not pay attention and you should stay alert and be prepared to get out of a car’s way. If involved in a pedestrian accident, protect your rights by consulting an pedestrian accident lawyer.

Kaine Law has more than 15 years of experience handling all types of accident and injury cases, including pedestrian accidents.