10 Road Safety Tips for Pedestrians
Walking is a healthy and enjoyable activity. Most of us do at least some walking outside of our homes on a daily basis. Since pedestrians are totally exposed compared to people protected in vehicles, pedestrians walking on roads should be aware of their vulnerability and learn road safety tips to protect themselves as much as possible.
If you or a loved one was injured in a pedestrian accident because of the negligent driving of another, contact a pedestrian accident attorney as soon as you are able. The pedestrian injury lawyer can discuss your legal rights and may be able to help you recover damages.
2017 pedestrian accident statistics
According to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA):
- There were 5,977 pedestrian deaths from traffic accidents on public roads in 2017
- Seventy-eight percent of these pedestrian deaths happened in urban settings
- Seventy-two percent of these pedestrian fatalities happened on the open road
- Eighteen percent of these pedestrian deaths happened at intersections
- Seventy-four percent of these pedestrian fatalities happened at night
- Saturdays had the largest number of pedestrian deaths
10 road safety tips for pedestrians
These 10 road safety tips for pedestrians from the NHTSA are a helpful way for pedestrians to keep themselves safe when sharing the road with bicycles and motor vehicles:
- Follow the rules of the road. Pedestrians must follow the same rules of the road as drivers and cyclists.
- Behave in a way that drivers expect you to behave. Avoid crossing in the middle of a roadway with cars zooming by, for example.
- Walk on sidewalks where they are available. If sidewalks are not available, walk facing traffic and as far away as you can.
- Avoid distracted walking. Keep your eyes on the sidewalk ahead of you and the roads beside you. Keep your face out of your phone.
- Whenever you can, wait to cross the street at a crosswalk or intersection. Before crossing look for cars coming in all directions – including those that may be about to turn onto a road around you.
- If you must cross the road in an area without a crosswalk or intersection, try to find a well-lit area that makes it easier for you to see cars and for them to see you. Wait for a gap in traffic that will allow you to stop or for cars in opposite lanes to stop for you before crossing.
- Always make eye contact with drivers as they pull up to the intersection or crosswalk to make sure that they have seen you before crossing.
- Be as visible as you can. During the day it is easiest to be seen in bright clothing and at night it is easiest to be seen when wearing reflective clothing. You can also carry a flashlight or attach lights to your clothing.
- Before crossing over a driveway or through a parking lot, look for cars backing out that may not see you.
- Avoid walking on roadways when you are intoxicated.
If you have lost a loved one or been injured through no fault of your own, you have enough on your plate. Let an experienced accident attorney fight for the justice and fair compensation that you deserve. It is not uncommon to receive a settlement from the insurance company that is five to ten times larger with the help of a lawyer. Call the caring, tireless and experienced personal injury attorneys at Tario & Associates, P.S. in Bellingham, WA today for a FREE consultation! We have been representing residents of Whatcom County, Skagit County and surrounding areas since 1979. You will pay nothing up front and no attorney fees at all unless we recover damages for you!
