Pedestrians, unlike drivers and passengers in motor vehicles, don’t have a vehicle to protect them in the event of a collision. Crashes involving pedestrians are among the most severe and deadly of all wrecks.
Many factors contribute to your risk for a pedestrian crash, and a portion of those risk factors are outside of your control. There are certain things you can control, however. By doing so, you could significantly reduce your risk of being struck by a vehicle.
Don’t walk home when you have had too much to drink
Although it is technically not illegal to walk after drinking the way it is to drive after drinking, it may be just as dangerous. Nearly half of all fatal pedestrian collisions involve alcohol. In some cases, it is the pedestrian rather than the driver who has had too much to drink.
Don’t walk while distracted
People know that it isn’t safe to stare down at their phones while driving. It is equally dangerous to focus on a screen rather than your surroundings as a pedestrian. You could miss warning signs of dangerous drivers or step right on into traffic without realizing it until it is too late.
Plan your route based on safety
Sometimes, you just need to walk a block or two to get somewhere. Other times, it will be a longer trip. It is important to have a good idea of the safest route. Traveling on roads with lower speed limits and crossing the street at marked crosswalks can help save you from drivers who don’t keep their focus on safety.
Even if you do make safety mistakes, that certainly will not absolve a driver of their responsibility to watch for pedestrians and drive safely. If you are injured, you can still file an insurance claim or civil lawsuit, even if you contributed to the collision. Knowing your rights after a pedestrian collision can help you hold irresponsible drivers accountable.
The post 3 Risk Factors That Could Contribute to Pedestrian Crashes appeared first on Joubert Law Firm.