Do Pedestrians Always Have the Right-Of-Way?
Pedestrians are vulnerable road users. There are several factors that make them more susceptible to injury or harm in traffic environments. The main issue is that they are not occupants of vehicles who are surrounded by metal structures, seat belts, and airbags. Pedestrians lack physical protection. This makes them more exposed to direct impact in the event of a collision. In addition, pedestrians are smaller and less visible than vehicles. Particularly at night or in adverse weather conditions, pedestrians clearly visible. This reduced visibility can make it harder for drivers to notice pedestrians in time to react. This begs the question, do pedestrians always have the right-of-way?
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Prevent Whatcom County Child Pedestrian Accidents as We Return to School
There is no doubt that 2020 has been a weird and difficult year. All public schools in Whatcom County chose to begin their school year with distance only learning for all grades due to the risk of spread of COVID-19. Since that decision was made in late-July, Whatcom County’s infection rate has dropped enough that school districts are beginning to bring students back in hybrid models – either half the class two days a week or every other week. This means that school zones will be back in effect along with the need to protect our children from pedestrian accidents.
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Who’s At Fault in Car-Runner Collisions?
There are many reasons that runners run on roads or sidewalks, rather than on trails. Women may not feel safe running on secluded trails for one and two, even people who run on trails often end up having to cross streets or complete part of their run on a sidewalk, parking lot or roadway. There are safety risks for runners whenever they run alongside motor vehicle traffic. Most runners have at least one story about almost being hit by a driver who didn’t see them, and many have actually been hit by a driver. The tragic reality is that a runner doesn’t stand much of a chance against a motor vehicle; car-runner collisions usually end very badly for the runner.
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A Look at Scooter Accident Statistics as Bellingham Considers Shared E-Scooter Program
E-bikes and E-scooters have exploded in use since 2017, with more and more people using them as an alternative to cars, Uber rides/taxis, walking and public transit. Several metropolitan cities around the country – including Seattle – have approved programs that allow people to share bikes and other types of transportation for a fee; with pick up and drop off sites set up around the city. As reported by the Bellingham Herald, Bellingham is considering changing its laws on electric bikes and motorized scooters and skateboards in order to allow a trial program for shared e-scooters and other types of “micro-mobility” devices by spring 2020. As Bellingham works to update city codes to include uniform rules for a broader range of alternate transportation, a Western Washington University spokesperson indicates their commitment to updating on-campus rules to ensure uniformity with the city. Still, there are issues to be worked out; Councilman Terry Bornemann, for example, is concerned about safety if e-scooters are allowed to share sidewalks with pedestrians.
Read More10 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.
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Pedestrian Deaths Surge: Marijuana and Smartphone Usage Could be Factors
Pedestrians need to be more careful than ever as pedestrian death rates surge. The Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) released a report in 2018 showing that just under 6,000 pedestrians were killed in accidents involving motor vehicles in the U.S. in 2017. While that is the same number of pedestrians killed in 2016, the death toll is the highest it has been in 25 years.
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Another Pedestrian Hit and Run Accident in Bellingham, WA
Another person has been struck in Bellingham, Washington in a pedestrian hit-and-run accident. The crash happened Wednesday, January 31, 2018 on I-5 near Samish Way. The man, who had been walking on the highway, was taken to Harborview Medical Center with signs of head trauma and leg injuries consistent with being hit by a car.
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Bellingham Man Victim of Pedestrian Hit and Run Accident
A 44-year-old male was clipped by a vehicle while using a crosswalk to cross the Guide Meridian from east to west near Westerly Road. The incident took place about 11:20 p.m. October 30, 2017. According to Bellingham Police Lt. Danette Beckley, witnesses told police the car sped north on Guide Meridian from Westerly road. Police were left looking for the perpetrator as he or she fled the scene, making this a pedestrian hit and run accident.
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Pedestrian Accidents: Dark Winter Weather Walk to School Safety Tips
In the Pacific Northwest the shorter days stretch between fall and winter and they are already upon us. For many students that means walking or biking to school or the bus stop in the dark and cold for a portion of the school year. Students should be taught “walk to school safety tips” for any time of the year but they become especially important when it is dark, wet, snowy or icy.
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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.