Prevent Pedestrian Accidents: Safety Tips for Walking in October
A beautiful October day can be ideal for a walk; many like to get out and enjoy the outdoors with the leaves in all colors and walking is good for your heart and overall health. It is important, however, to keep safety in mind while out walking in October to prevent pedestrian accidents. The Pacific Northwest in particular gets dark early and the rain and wind can come up unexpectedly in the fall.
Prevent Pedestrian Accidents: Safety Tips for Walking in October
- Check the weather forecast. Choose a sunny day if possible. If you choose to go out in the rain, wear rain proof outerwear.
- Obey signs that state an area is closed off for the season.
- Set out in the morning or early afternoon. Check that day’s sunset time and plan to be back before it gets dark. If you go out for a walk or run in the dark, wear appropriate reflective gear, flashing lights and a headlamp.
- Walk with a buddy.
- If you are going for a hike in a quiet area be sure to tell somewhere where you are going and when you plan to be back.
- Pack plenty of food and water to keep your energy up.
- Bring a cell phone and/or a radio if you plan to hike away from cell phone service. Load emergency contacts under an obvious setting and bring your identification.
- Do not wear headphones or earbuds, particularly if you are walking or running near traffic.
- Face traffic because it is easier for you to see oncoming cars and easier for cars to see you.
- Be extra cautious when crossing roads at corners or at the top of hills as cars may not see you until they are right on top of you.
- Use paths or sidewalks whenever possible but be prepared to move onto the shoulder of the road if the road narrows.
- Avoid areas like parking lots to bars and restaurants and busy shopping centers.
- Be aware of other vehicles, bicycles and other pedestrians around you at all times.
- Follow the rules of the road.
Pedestrian car crash deaths on the rise
When a car crash involves a pedestrian, the pedestrian does not have the protection of a vehicle and is extremely vulnerable to personal injury and fatality. A highway safety report released by the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) in 2016 shows an alarming rise in pedestrian deaths. Analysis of the numbers shows a 10 percent rise in pedestrian fatalities in 2015, the biggest increase since national records began in 1975. The increase was identified by assessing data reported by state highway safety agencies for the first half of 2014 (2,232) compared to the first half of 2015 (2,368). For perspective, prior years have swung between a 10.5 percent decrease to an 8.1 percent increase in pedestrian traffic fatalities.
If you or a loved one is dealing with an accident or injury through no fault of your own, you have enough on your plate. Let an experienced accident attorney fight for the full compensation that you deserve. It is not uncommon to receive a settlement from the insurance company that is five to ten times bigger with the help of a lawyer. Call the caring accident attorneys at Tario & Associates, P.S. in Bellingham, WA today for a FREE consultation! We have been representing residents of Whatcom County, Skagit County, Island County and Snohomish County since 1979. You will pay nothing up front and no attorney fees at all unless we recover damages for you!
