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What You Can Do To Avoid Pedestrian Accidents

To reduce the number of pedestrian accidents, drivers and pedestrians alike must take every possible precaution. With children and elders at particular risk of pedestrian injuries, it is important that everyone exercise care when on or near the roads.

Safety for Child Pedestrians

To keep children safe from pedestrian accidents, the U.S. Department of Health urges these common-sense precautions:

  • Children under age 10 should not cross the street alone.
  • Children should not play in the street.
  • Children should walk and ride bicycles on sidewalks, not in the street.
  • Children should wear bright or reflective clothing to enhance visibility to drivers.

Safety for Senior Pedestrians

Elderly pedestrians should also use extra caution to avoid pedestrian accidents:

  • Cross the street at the corner or in the crosswalk.
  • While crossing, continue to watch both sides of the street even when crossing in a crosswalk.
  • Watch for oncoming traffic in the street.
  • Wear bright clothing so drivers can easily see you.

Safety for All Pedestrians

All pedestrians should follow the general suggestions of Safety.com, to reduce the possibility of pedestrian accidents:

  • Walk on sidewalks. If no sidewalk is available, walk on the road facing traffic.
  • Cross only at street corners - preferably corners with traffic lights.
  • Always walk within marked crosswalks.
  • Avoid walking in the dark and during bad weather such as rain, snow, ice or fog.
  • Look left, look right and look left again before crossing the street.
  • Always be on the lookout for turning or backing vehicles.
  • Make eye contact with the driver of a vehicle before crossing in front of the vehicle.
  • Stay out of a driver's blind spot.
  • Learn all signals, including "Walk/Don't Walk" and the iconic hand symbols.
  • Pay attention to crosswalk timers and do not cross the street if the clock has stopped or the light has changed to red.
  • Walk and cross with other pedestrians whenever possible.
  • Wear properly maintained footwear.

Drivers Can Avoid Pedestrian Accidents

Drivers should also take special precaution when pedestrians are present to avoid pedestrian accidents:

  • Avoid distractions such as talking on a cell phone, texting or consulting a map while driving. Pull over to the side of the road to make a call or confirm directions.
  • Check side and rear view mirrors carefully and proceed with caution when backing out of driveways and parking lots, particularly where children are present.
  • Slow down when driving through an intersection, and always come to a complete stop at a stop sign.
  • Be aware of any pedestrians in an intersection or on the sidewalk and do not assume that pedestrians see you when you make a turn or proceed through an intersection.
  • Drive at a speed that is safe for conditions, even if that means reducing your speed below the posted speed limit.
  • Be alert during early morning and late evening hours when sun glare may prevent full vision and your ability to see pedestrians in the crosswalk.
  • Don't drink and drive.

What to do in the Event of a Pedestrian Accident

Pedestrians injured in accidents caused by cars or trucks can sustain severe and catastrophic injuries including:

  • Spinal cord injuries.
  • Brain trauma or closed head injuries.
  • Burn injuries.
  • Broken bones.
  • Fatal injuries.

Schedule a Consultation With a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

If you or a family member has been injured in a pedestrian accident, or if you are a driver who has been involved in a pedestrian accident that resulted in injury or fatality, you should consult a lawyer immediately.

Contact a pedestrian accident attorney who is knowledgeable about pedestrian accidents. If a pedestrian injury has resulted in death, you may be able to file a lawsuit for wrongful death on behalf of your loved one.

Contact a pedestrian accident attorney at The Reeves Law Group to explore all of your legal options: (800) 644-8000.

 
Pedestrian Accident Help Center

Have you been in a pedestrian accident caused by someone else’s negligence? Contact a California pedestrian accident lawyer at The Reeves Law Group for a free consultation. The Reeves Law Group has successfully represented thousands of accident victims and obtained exceptional results in a wide variety of serious and catastrophic injury cases.

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