There’s no doubt about it. Pedestrian accidents are truly frightening, especially pedestrian car accidents. The thought of them alone can keep most people from wandering close to the road when out on a stroll. However, are we right to fear them as much as we do? Are pedestrian accidents as common as our fears tell us? The truth is yes. Pedestrian accidents are common. Over 7,000 pedestrians were killed in motor vehicle crashes on roads in 2020, according to the CDC. To put things into perspective, that’s around one death every 75 minutes. And unfortunately, that’s not all their research found. They also discovered an estimated 104,000 emergency department visits from pedestrians with crash-related injuries. That tells us that these pedestrian accidents happen much more than we initially believed. And if we want to stay safe, we need to be educated. That’s what this article from Sandel Law Firm will discuss. To learn more about pedestrian accidents and safety practices, please continue reading below for more information. 

Pedestrians Are Prone to Vehicular Accidents on Streets

The more you are around cars on the street, the more danger you are in. That’s the simple truth of the matter. It also means that people in urban areas where dense, fast traffic occurs may be at more risk than others. Below, we’ll cover tips to help you stay safe when walking. 

Sidewalk Safety

Sidewalks are there for your safety. You should always use them when available. However, even sidewalks may not be enough to keep you safe all the time. That’s why it’s crucial to stay aware of your surroundings. Things like earphones may distract you from your environment and prevent you from hearing an oncoming vehicle. So next time you go on a walk, leave the earphones at home. You may also want to wear bright clothing, especially at night. According to the CDC, the likelihood of an accident increases at night time. 

Pedestrian Lanes

Other pedestrian lanes provide people space to travel within the public right-of-way, separated from roadway vehicles. The difference between a pedestrian lane and a sidewalk is typically the lack of a curb. Without a curb, there’s a fairly large increase in risk. However, with the safety tips mentioned above and some additional caution, pedestrian lanes are great. 

Traffic Signs

Even as a pedestrian, you still must obey the traffic signs. Paying attention to the signs on the road can help you predict drivers' movements on the road. That way, you can stay out of their way. 

Traffic awareness for pedestrians.

Traffic awareness is, without a doubt, the most important thing for a pedestrian. That’s why we’ll spend the rest of this article discussing the most important things to remember. Continue reading below. 

Traffic Rules

Without paying attention to traffic rules, it’s impossible to understand how drivers will operate their vehicles. That can lead to you stepping into the street at the wrong time and putting yourself in a dangerous position. To stay safe, we recommend always observing traffic signs and remembering the rules of the road. 

Street Awareness

Spotting a driver speeding towards you a few moments earlier can be the difference between safety and a pedestrian accident. So as you’re walking, do your absolute best to stay aware of your surroundings. As we said, leave the earphones at home and try to stay off of your phone if possible. Were you recently involved in an accident? Make sure your interests are well protected with Sandel Law Firm. Contact us today with a free consultation at any time.