Pedestrian Safety: Knowing Your Responsibilities

Everyone near or on the road has to be cautious with their actions. They have to keep in mind that accidents can happen because of an irresponsible act. Both drivers and pedestrians have to know the risks associated with being on the road. Meanwhile, this post will discuss how pedestrians are also in charge of a safe road.

Once you are on the road, you are in charge of your safety. In this case, you always have to be alert because you don’t know what can happen next. You can be in an accident if you will not focus. This guide will give you an insight into some causes of pedestrian accidents.

Causes of Pedestrian Accidents

There are various reasons why pedestrian accidents can happen. If the person involved in the accident is the right one, they can seek assistance from a trusted personal injury lawyer to handle their case. But if not, the lawyer will be dealing with settling things that will favor both the driver and the pedestrian.

Meanwhile, here are the typical causes of pedestrian accidents, and knowing them may remind you of how you must be careful when you are on the road:

Distracted drivers. This condition is one of the usual causes of road mishaps. Using mobile phones while driving can put not only the driver’s life but also the pedestrians. However, those people crossing the roads while using their mobile phones can also become a source of the accident.

Impaired drivers. Drivers who are under the influence of drugs or alcohol can cause danger to everyone. In this case, drivers may no longer be in their control to follow traffic rules. As a result, accidents can happen.

Impatient drivers. It is a rule of thumb to slow down when approaching crosswalks. However, some drivers do not take account of this aspect, resulting in many pedestrian accidents.

Recklessness. Both the driver and the people near the road can cause an accident if they are careless with their actions. Anyone who will not follow traffic laws can be a source of the accident on the road.

Bad weather. The weather is not always in favor when you are outside. Those who still drive at high speeds in this condition can come across an accident. In this case, drivers can no longer stop in time once the road is slippery.

Wearing dark clothes at night. Dark-colored clothes are unwise to wear at night, especially if you are going outside. Drivers may overlook you if your color blends in darkness.

Road repairs. People may decide to walk in areas that drivers don’t expect them to be due to road construction. Aside from that, drivers may not also notice these repairs.

Busy intersections. Crossings can also become a tough area to handle for drivers. Pedestrian accidents often occur if drivers focus on looking straight instead of making their left turns.

Multi-lane/arterial roads. Every driver has to deal with other drivers as well. They are likely to deal with changing lanes, speeding, or making unsafe lane changes. In this case, looking out for pedestrians may slip out of their minds, leading to accidents.

As you can see, many reasons can lead to an accident, which may involve pedestrians. But then again, if you are one of the pedestrians, you can help yourself avoid such mishaps on the road. You have to be responsible for your safety as well.

Tips to Avoid Pedestrian Accidents

Everyone on the road has to be responsible for their actions. This way, no accident can occur. In this case, here are some tips to ensure safety:

1. Pedestrians must stick to designated crossing areas. These areas contain traffic control devices that can help you cross the roads safely.
2. Moreover, do not expect that drivers can always see you. Some drivers don’t pay attention. So, make sure that these cars are at a full stop before you cross.
3. You still have to look around you aside from the cars that stopped in front. The cars behind may want to pass over the first car without knowing the reason why it stopped.
4. Avoid using mobile phones on the street, especially if you plan to cross it. You have to focus your attention on the road because your mobile phone can wait.
5. Refrain from standing right by the road. It is best to maintain your distance from it. This way, you and the driver can both have enough time to avoid the accident.

You are not always in control of what can happen. However, discipline is necessary to keep yourself safe on the road. Keep in mind that you are not the only one there. So, you have to pay attention.