Auburn Pedestrian Safety Tips
All roadway users have some chance of being hurt during a crash. However, when drivers don’t pay attention to rules of the road and drive recklessly by ignoring traffic signs, speeding, or using their phones, pedestrians are often the people who suffer the most severe consequences. Because pedestrians aren’t protected by the safety features of a vehicle, they are very likely to suffer injuries in the event of an accident. People walking down the street in order to return from school, pick up groceries, or simply to visit a neighbor can be seriously injured even in low-speed accidents. In many cases, pedestrians end up needing to go to the hospital for severe or even life-threatening injuries.
Every year, more than 5,000 people in the United States die because of pedestrian injuries. Another 70,000 pedestrians are hospitalized because of traffic accidents. According to data from the National Highway Traffic Administration (NHTSA), the rate of pedestrian accidents has been steadily rising in recent years, with an average of 1.5 pedestrian fatalities taking place in the U.S. every hour. Because this problem is so serious, both drivers and pedestrians should be aware of these safety tips.
Driving Tips
The following driving tips are recommended by the NHTSA:
- Always be on the lookout for pedestrians.
- Be extra careful when you drive in poor-visibility conditions like in inclement weather or at night.
- Slow your vehicle well before turning or entering a pedestrian crossing area.
- Yield to crosswalk traffic and leave space for other vehicles to see pedestrians if possible.
- Never attempt to pass vehicles stopped at a crosswalk.
- Never operate a vehicle while intoxicated.
- Follow speed limit regulations.
- Always make sure to slow down in school zones and neighborhoods with children present.
- Practice extra caution when backing your vehicle up. Pedestrians can easily enter your blind spot.
Walking Tips
These safety tips for pedestrians are also recommended by the NHTSA:
- Walk predictably and follow all signs and signals.
- Walk on sidewalks whenever possible.
- If there isn’t a sidewalk, walk against traffic as far from vehicles as possible.
- Stay alert at all times. Do not distract yourself with phones or other objects that take your attention off the road.
- When possible, use designated crossing areas where drivers expect pedestrians. Always look for cars coming from all directions, including turning vehicles at intersections.
- If a crosswalk isn’t available, try to use a well-lit area to cross the road.
- Never assume drivers see you. Always make eye contact with drivers as they approach.
- Be visible and make sure to wear bright clothing and reflective material at night.
- Watch for vehicles exiting and entering driveways and parking lots.
Claiming Compensation
When pedestrians are injured, they are often left with serious financial difficulties. Paying for hospital bills, therapy, and medication is usually necessary in order to recover from a severe injury. To make it worse, injured people often have to take a significant amount of time off work, and some are no longer able to work at all. All of these factors can make recovery more difficult and can leave people worried about how they will be able to afford the necessary costs of living.
For these reasons, injured parties are usually able to seek payments from those responsible for the accident. This is done through a “personal injury claim.” However, these claims can be complicated and whether or not a person can recover money depends on the circumstances of their case. To get specific advice about your claim, it’s best to call an Auburn car accident lawyer.
More by Ed Smith, Auburn Car Accident Lawyer
Car Accident Lawyer in Auburn
I’m Ed Smith, an Auburn car accident lawyer. If you were seriously hurt during an auto accident, reach out to me for free, friendly advice by dialing (530) 392-9400 and (800) 404-5400.
I have helped Auburn residents get the money they deserve for wrongful death and personal injury damages for 36 years.
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I’m the founder of AutoAccident.com, Northern California’s leading information source for auto accident and personal injury topics.
Auburn Pedestrian Safety Tips: Ed Smith
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