Pedestrian Safety

Many people assume they are safe when crossing the street because they are in a crosswalk or crossing at a traffic light. Pedestrians should be just as aware while walking as drivers in a pedestrian-heavy area. A pedestrian is fatally injured every 88 minutes in the United States, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. In 2017, 5,977 pedestrians were fatally injured in traffic deaths. This was a decrease of 1.7 percent from the year prior, but that decrease is not significant.

Parents should continually teach children good pedestrian habits and elderly pedestrians should be reminded to use extra caution, especially if they are walking alone. Establishing good pedestrian-friendly driving in your neighborhood is also recommended.

Safety Tips for Pedestrians

• Follow the rules of traffic. If you know you have the right of way, never assume the driver will yield to you. Make eye contact with drivers before crossing in front of them.
• Avoid alcohol consumption. Surprisingly, 34 percent of fatal accidents where alcohol was involved was on the part of the pedestrian. Although there is much publicity about drunk driving, pedestrians can also be prone to bad decisions and poor reflexes if they are walking while intoxicated.
• Avoid distractions. Do not walk with headphones. Additionally, do not walk and look at your smartphone instead of looking around you. This can cause you to miss an oncoming vehicle.
• Walk in designated areas. Pedestrians should always try to walk on a sidewalk and in designated areas.
• Wear bright-colored clothing. If you are going to be walking at dusk, consider wearing reflective gear or bright-colored clothing, which will make you more visible to drivers. This is especially true if the weather conditions are not good.

Safety Tips for Drivers

• Yield at crosswalks. If you are approaching a crosswalk, slow down in anticipation of a potential pedestrian who may want to cross. If a person is crossing or is about to enter a crosswalk, stop for them until they reach the other side of the road.
• Follow posted speed limits. This is especially true in areas with high pedestrian traffic. Additionally, this is especially important in areas with lower speed limits and school zones.
• Turn on your lights. Make sure you are visible to pedestrians by using your headlights and turn signals when appropriate.

Camden Car Accident Lawyers at DiTomaso Law Help Pedestrians Injured in Car Accidents

If you or someone you know was injured in a car accident, the Camden car accident lawyers at DiTomaso Law understand what is at stake. We can evaluate any claims and recommend the next best steps. Located in Philadelphia and Cherry Hill, New Jersey, we serve clients throughout southeastern Pennsylvania and South Jersey, including Cherry Hill, Mt. Holly, and Camden County. Call us today at 856-414-0010 or contact us online for a free consultation.