We Are All Pedestrians
We are all pedestrians at times. When you make your way from your parked vehicle into the grocery store, you become an at-risk pedestrian. According to a California Office of Traffic Safety report, nearly 900 pedestrians were killed in California in 2018. That number represents a 26% increase from four years prior. California’s pedestrian fatality rate is higher than the national average by a whopping 25%. We topped the nation in 2018 pedestrian deaths. Additionally, that same year, more than 14,000 pedestrians were injured in California. It is past time for all users of California roads to do their part to reduce or eliminate the number of pedestrian injuries and fatalities that occur throughout the state. With that in mind, we offer the following pedestrian safety guide.
Pedestrians – Be Aware of Your Risk Factors
The following have been identified as accident risk factors for pedestrians based on statistical data.
- In 2017, approximately a third of pedestrians involved in accidents had a blood alcohol concentration of at least .08 – so alcohol impairment is a significant risk factor.
- It is more dangerous to walk in areas near vehicles traveling at high speeds or in urban areas.
- Age is a risk factor – those younger than 15 and those older than 65 are more likely to be injured in a car versus pedestrian accident.
- Walking in darkness
- Street crossing outside of designated intersections
Pedestrian Safety Guide – Tips for Pedestrians
When we do not have the added protection of a vehicle, it makes sense to take great caution when walking in areas that are in close proximity to vehicle traffic. Here are some tips that may help you stay safe as a pedestrian:
- Act predictability. Obey signs and signals and follow the rules of the road. The goal is to have drivers be better able to anticipate your movements.
- Cross at crosswalks or signaled intersections whenever possible. Check for cars in every direction, including those that are turning.
- If there is no crosswalk or intersection, find a well-lighted area that has good visibility and clear views of oncoming traffic. Cross quickly, and continue watching for traffic while you are crossing.
- If sidewalks are available, use them. When there is no sidewalk, walk as far away from traffic as possible, facing oncoming vehicles.
- Do not use your electronic devices. Keep your eyes and ears alert at all times. This is especially important to teach your children and teens as they are disproportionately involved in pedestrian accidents.
- Assume that drivers do not see you and act accordingly. Make eye contact with drivers, so you know you have been seen.
- Increase your visibility with reflective or bright clothing or accessories.
- Be especially careful near driveways and in parking lots when driver attention is diverted.
Pedestrian Safety Guide – Tips for Vehicle Operators
As we said above, we are all pedestrians at one time or another. We should all take care to make pedestrian travel as safe as possible. As Sacramento car accident lawyers, we feel it is prudent to point out that drivers have an extra duty of care when it comes to pedestrians – they are required to maintain control of their potentially dangerous vehicle at all times. Here are some safety guidelines to help drivers avoid collisions with pedestrians:
- Watch for pedestrians at all times, everywhere.
- When your attention is diverted, such as when you are backing up, use extra caution.
- Slow down and exercise greater care during inclement weather, at night, and in other conditions that affect your ability to see clearly.
- Slow down in general.
- Be cognizant of school zones and construction zones, both of which have high pedestrian traffic. Go very slowly, look in all directions, and allow plenty of space.
- Make eye contact with pedestrians and indicate that you have seen them.
- Yield to pedestrians in and out of crosswalks.
- Do not pass any vehicle that is stopped at a crosswalk.
- Avoid distractions while driving.
- Do not drive while impaired.
- Always check behind your vehicle and the side mirrors before you open your door.
Watch the YouTube video from the Berkeley Police Department, documenting a project aimed at stopping drivers who did not yield the right-of-way to pedestrians.
Sacramento Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
Hello. I’m Ed Smith, a pedestrian accident attorney in Sacramento. For the 38 years that I have advocated on behalf of injured Sacramento residents, I have handled many cases in which a pedestrian was injured due to the actions of a negligent vehicle operator. If this has happened to you or to someone you love, please call us at (916) 921-6400 or (800) 404-5400. One of our case managers or injury attorneys will be happy to dispense free and friendly advice.
Please review some of our prior case results at the following link:
Photo Attribution: https://pixabay.com/photos/people-walking-men-work-city-road-2568530/
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