Tips For Pedestrians Walking

Car accidents involving pedestrians are much more common than one might think. As a way to help prevent these accidents from happening, we’ve provided some tips on how to stay safe when walking on sidewalks and crossing streets.

Be Visible

Always stay in well lit areas and dress in lightly colored or reflective clothing at night, and bright colors during the day. When crossing the street, try to make eye contact with the drivers to ensure that they see you before you walk into the road.

Stay Alert

It’s unacceptable to walk across the street staring at your phone. Unplug from technology by not looking at your phone and taking off your headphones while you walk. This will help you hear and see your surroundings more clearly, helping you to escape danger.

Follow the Rules

Be aware of all traffic rules, signals and signs. Understanding the rules of the vehicles around you will help you anticipate what they are going to do and increase your level of safety. It is also not a given that a driver will give you the right of way. Make every effort you can, like making eye contact with the driver, before heading on your way.

Keep Your Steps in Safe Places

When crossing a street, use a crosswalk. If a crosswalk is not available, find the most well lit area and wait for a substantial gap in traffic to ensure that you cross the street entirely at one time.

Whenever it’s possible, walk on a sidewalk. If a road does not have a sidewalk, walk on the far side of the road facing traffic to increase your visibility.

Highways and other high speed roadways are not suitable for pedestrians. It’s illegal to walk on one.

Avoid Consuming Alcohol

Nearly half of all traffic crashes that result in pedestrian injuries involve alcohol. Also, 34% of the half was because the pedestrian had consumed alcohol. Drinking impairs your vision, reduces your physical reflexes and affects your decision making skills. You are just as dangerous on the road drunk driving as you are walking.

If you keep these tips in mind, the road will be safer for both pedestrians and drivers alike.

Protecting Pedestrians After An Incident

If you have been in an accident as a pedestrian or as a driver that involved a pedestrian, you need an experienced lawyer on your side. Our team has almost a century of combined experience and is one of the top law firms in Macon. Contact us today!