Walkers need to take precautions when drivers don’t
Most everyone is a pedestrian at some point in the day. And during that time, there could be plenty of opportunities for catastrophe. Unfortunately, even if it is the vehicle’s fault, it’s often the pedestrian that has to focus on precautions.
People traveling on foot are 1.5 times more likely to die in a car crash than the vehicle occupants. For this reason alone, it’s essential for walkers sharing space with vehicle traffic to be aware of hazards, because drivers aren’t always on the lookout.
Recognizing risks
Staying safe can start with knowing who’s at risk. Accidents are more likely to happen in certain situations. These are the times and places that pedestrians should take extra care:
- Urban settings make up 80% of all accidents
- 32% of accidents involve pedestrians with a blood alcohol content of at least .08
- Only 21% of wrecks with pedestrians occur in the daylight
A path to safety
Making yourself seen starts with staying aware of your surroundings, followed by a few simple precautions:
- Visible: Drivers can’t avoid what they don’t see. Since most accidents happen at night, walkers who travel in well-lit areas, wear reflective clothing and carry lights are at an advantage.
- Predictable: Even during the day, you should avoid throwing any curveballs. Try to cross streets at signals, walk where vehicles can see you and make eye contact with oncoming drivers.
- Caution: Not every situation allows you to follow the straight-and-narrow, so do the best with the options available. Stay on paths or sidewalks, cross through gaps in traffic and avoid distractions like phones or music.
It’s important for those that spend time walking around traffic to be able to identify high-risk situations. Acting responsibly can help avoid many problems, but you can’t predict every outcome. If you’ve been injured by a negligent driver, contact Satterley & Kelley PLLC to get the help you need when working toward the recovery you deserve.