With an Uptick in Pedestrian Accidents, Safety Is Important
Pedestrian safety is important with the large uptick in accidents. This is especially since the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported that between 2008 and 2017, pedestrian accidents in California increased by 35 percent. Part of the reason is due to an increase in driving and the number of vehicles. However, the number of deaths to pedestrians in California during this time period accounted for 22.2 percent, which is a much higher rate than others sharing the roadways. Finding ways to improve pedestrian safety is important to lower the accident injury and death rate for walkers.
Ways to Improve Pedestrian Safety
Some streets are dangerous for people. Those are the ones without designated crosswalks and crossing lights and lanes. Some modern vehicles are dangerous to pedestrians too, especially pickup trucks and SUVs, according to the NHTSA. This is because so many of them sit up higher, making it more difficult for a driver to spot a pedestrian crossing the street. California ranks as number six nationwide in the number of pedestrian casualties, so anything someone on foot can do to reduce that risk is important.
- Use caution when walking after dark: Pedestrians often go out after dark, and the biggest mistake they make is wearing dark clothing. This makes it more difficult for a driver to spot them in time to avoid an accident. For the best pedestrian safety, wear light-colored clothing and a jacket with reflective strips when out after dark. Holding a flashlight is a good idea too.
- Lighting conditions: Crossing a dark street is dangerous. Always try to cross at a well-lit intersection. However, accidents can even occur on crosswalks, so caution is needed.
- Obey traffic signals: Jaywalking and crossing against the light is a good way to be struck and injured and certainly isn’t good pedestrian safety. Choose an intersection to cross that has traffic control and pedestrian lights even if you have to walk an extra block to reach one. Non-intersections account for almost 74 percent of pedestrian fatalities.
- Certain days of the week are more dangerous. Traffic is higher and drunk or distracted drivers are more likely to be out on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Trying to avoid a long walk on those days is recommended, if possible. The safest day for pedestrian safety is on Tuesdays, followed by Wednesdays.
- Avoid distractions: Listening to music or talking on a cell phone is distracting and may be responsible for an accident.
- Don’t drink or do drugs: Drugs and alcohol are dangerous for everyone, and pedestrian safety depends on having a clear head. If you are on foot because you’ve been drinking, call a friend for a ride or hire a rideshare.
If, despite practicing pedestrian safety, you are injured by a negligent driver or other entity, you may place a claim for compensation. It will pay for your medical costs, lost wages and for your pain and suffering. My personal injury law office has successfully handled many of these types of cases over the years. As always, your first consultation is free, so call to have your case reviewed, and you will be told what options are available to you.
How an Accident Is Investigated
The importance of accident investigation cannot be stressed enough because it provides the evidence to support a client’s claim. Our investigators are sent out to an accident site as soon as possible to begin because evidence can disappear or be covered over when traffic restarts. They perform accident reconstruction, seek video footage from traffic cameras and businesses and talk to witnesses. The investigative team looks at the police report to locate any errors. They look at road damage left by the accident such as tire tread marks which can indicate whether a motorist tried to stop or was speeding or distracted.
Sacramento Pedestrian Accident Attorney
I’m Ed Smith, a Sacramento pedestrian accident attorney. If your accident injury was caused by negligence, I have free and friendly advice to offer you when you call me at (916) 921-6400. Those outside the area code can phone for free at (800) 404-5400 or contact me online.
I’ve helped Sacramentans since 1982 to collect fair compensation after an accident injury. Some areas I work in are wrongful deaths as well as traumatic injuries, traffic collisions and others.
Explore the following links for information about my firm:
I’m a member of the Top 1 Percent and Million Dollar Forum.
Photo Attribution: https://pixabay.com/photos/street-light-sign-pedestrian-sign-2334158/
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