The Do’s And Don’ts Of Pedestrian Safety

Pedestrian accidents are more common than you may think. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, pedestrians made up 16% of all fatal motor vehicle accidents in 2016, with nearly 5,000 pedestrian deaths that year alone. If you’re planning on being outdoors at any point, it’s important to remember that safety begins with yourself and continues onto the roads and sidewalks around you; if you are in an accident, contact a pedestrian accident lawyer Atlanta, GA immediately. While we hope that never happens, use these tips to keep yourself safe while walking from our friends at Council & Associates, LLC.

When Walking at Night

There are a few simple things you can do to stay safe when walking at night. First, avoid walking alone if possible. If you must walk alone, try to stay in well-lit areas. Also, be aware of your surroundings and try not to be distracted by your phone or other electronics. If you see a suspicious person or vehicle, cross the street and keep moving. Trust your instincts – if something doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t. Finally, remember that pedestrians always have the right of way, but that doesn’t mean drivers will always see you. Be cautious when crossing the street, even if you have the right of way.

When Crossing Roads

As a pedestrian, the best thing you can do when crossing roads is to be aware of your surroundings. Pay attention to traffic patterns and be sure to look both ways before crossing. If possible, cross at a designated crosswalk or intersection. Make eye contact with drivers as they approach to ensure they see you. And finally, don’t assume that a driver will yield to you – always be prepared to stop or take evasive action if necessary.

When Biking

As a pedestrian, you are especially vulnerable to injury when biking. To help avoid becoming a statistic, here are some tips to stay safe while biking:

-Always wear a helmet. This will help protect your head in the event of a fall or collision.

-Make sure your bike is in good working condition. brakes that work properly and inflated tires can make all the difference in an emergency situation.

-Be visible. Wear bright clothing during the day and reflective gear at night. You should also have lights on your bike if you’ll be riding in low light conditions.

-Follow the rules of the road. Just like motorists, cyclists are expected to obey traffic laws.

When You Have Headphones On

You should be extra careful when you have headphones on and are crossing the street. It’s important to be aware of your surroundings at all times, and wearing headphones can make it difficult to hear things like oncoming traffic. Try to keep one earbud out so that you can still hear what’s going on around you. Also, avoid walking in the middle of the street – stick to the sidewalks whenever possible. And finally, always look both ways before crossing the street, even if you have the right of way.

If you are in an accident, contact a pedestrian accident lawyer immediately for help with your case.