Whether you are walking to the store, home from school, or from your car to work, most people are pedestrians at some point during the day.
Unfortunately, pedestrian deaths and injuries are all too common.
According to the CDC, in 2017, there were 5,977 pedestrian deaths due to vehicle accidents. That equates to one death every 88 minutes. And 137,000 pedestrians went to the emergency room due to a non-fatal pedestrian accident. With this knowledge, it is important to learn the best practices to stay safe while walking.
Best Practices for Pedestrian Safety
Death or injury from a vehicle is all too common, so it is imperative that pedestrians take the responsibility to learn how to walk safely. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration provided the following safety tips to pedestrians:
- Be Predictable
Obey the traffic signs and rules of the road while walking. Drivers expect that pedestrians will follow the standard rules, and when those rules are broken, the probability of an accident increases.
- Use Sidewalks
Use designated sidewalks when available; This is one of the most important tips to follow to ensure pedestrian safety. When a sidewalk is not available, you should walk facing traffic and be as far away from the vehicles as possible.
- Make Eye Contact
Never expect that a driver can see you. When walking by a vehicle or crossing the street, make eye contact with the driver to confirm that they are aware of you.
- Be Alert
While walking, make sure that you are alert and aware of your surroundings at all times. It can be easy to be engrossed in your phone or another mobile device. This distraction can lure you into danger if you are not careful.
- Avoid Alcohol and Other Substances
If you know that you need to walk a distance outside, avoid alcohol or other substances that can impair your judgment.
- Use Crosswalks
When you need to cross the road, use a crosswalk. When a crosswalk is not available, look for an area where you are easily seen. Remember to look both ways for vehicles when crossing the road, with or without a crosswalk.
Safety Tips for Children
During the school season, millions of kids walk home from school every day. Along with the tips listed above, The NHTSA mentions additional tips to help children remain safe while walking to and from school.
- Watch the Road, Not Your Phone
Children are much less likely to pay attention to their surroundings while walking than adults. Remind your children to keep their eyes up instead of at their phones or other devices. After a long day at school, they are probably excited to use their devices again, but remind them not to do so while walking.
- Do Not Play While Walking
Horseplay is common when a group of children is walking together. This can distract the children from their surroundings and can accidentally send a child into the road. Talk to your children about the importance of utilizing their walking space safely.
Flickinger Sutterfield & Boulton is Here For You
If you are a pedestrian and find yourself in an accident, please reach out to Flickinger Sutterfield & Boulton for assistance. Our team can help you collect the compensation you deserve.
We have offices throughout Utah County and West Jordan, Utah. Schedule your free case evaluation today.