Pedestrian Safety Tips
Unfortunately, cars and pedestrians don’t always coexist well together, and thousands of people are injured every year in car-pedestrian accidents. Here’s a look at what you can do to prevent these collisions:
- Stay in Designated Pedestrian Areas
Because drivers don’t expect pedestrians to be on the road, they don’t watch out for them. To keep yourself safe, stay on sidewalks whenever possible. If there isn’t a sidewalk, walk on the left side of the road, facing traffic. This will make you more visible. If you need to cross the street, always find a crosswalk; don’t jaywalk, even on empty streets. You can’t be certain that a car won’t make a sudden turn on to the street, not expecting you to be there.
- Don’t Assume That Drivers See You
Even if you have the right of way and you are in a crosswalk, drivers still may not notice you. Before crossing the street, take a moment to check for turning cars. If you notice a driver waiting to make a turn, try to make eye contact with him to be certain that he sees you as well as you see him. This will increase your chance of staying safe on the road.
- Don't Drink
The risks of driving while intoxicated are well known, but walking under the influence carries its own dangers. When you are intoxicated, your reaction time is slowed, and you have difficulty paying attention. If you’re walking in a busy area, you may not notice oncoming cars or changing traffic signals until it is too late.
- Exercise Caution Around Parked Cars
Cars backing out of driveways may not see you, because they are so intent on getting to their destination. Drivers backing out of parking spaces are the same way—they simply may not see you in their mirrors. Be aware of any car backing up, and try to stay out of the way.
After an auto accident, count on the Law Office of D. Hardison Wood to help you recover damages. To schedule a free consultation in our office in Cary, call (919) 238-4668.
Disclaimer:
The materials available at this website are for informational purposes only and not for the purpose of providing legal advice. You should contact your attorney to obtain advice with respect to any particular issue or problem. Use and access to this website or any of the links contained within the site do not create an attorney-client relationship. The opinions expressed at or through this site are the opinions of the individual author and may not reflect the opinions of the firm or any individual attorney.
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