The people that are mostly at-risk on roads are the pedestrians. A side-swipe from an automobile can lead to significant trauma to a pedestrian. In addition to that, the progress of recovery can be long-lasting and expensive.
Truthfully, the many instances of vehicle accidents can be avoided. However, what usually contributes to such accidents are driver negligence and error. Although in some cases, pedestrians can become a factor in car accidents due to being inattentive.
Common Causes Of Pedestrian Accidents And How To Avoid Them
Fortunately, a pedestrian can avoid untoward road accidents by knowing how to prevent some situations that may lead to such accidents.
- Pedestrians who unexpectedly step out of the midlock
As told by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, pedestrians who out of nowhere walk out from midlock (middle area of the block on a street) cause significant amount of accidents. Also, children who play next to the road are usually culpable of this situation such as chasing a ball that rolled into the roadway.
Prevention: To avoid this pedestrian accident from happening, you must guarantee that you are crossing to a designated way or road. If there is a need to walk at a midblock, ensure that the road is open and safe to cross in both directions. Further, avoid playing sports nearby dense traffic and teach kids about the risks of doing so.
- Vehicles swerving at intersections
Another common cause of pedestrian accident is a car that turns at intersections. The vehicle may swerve into the route of pedestrians at a rapid speed. In some cases, a car may turn during a red light and fail to notice a pedestrian.
Prevention: It is recommended that pedestrians should be cautious of automobiles that turn at intersections. These instances include cars swerving right on red light, and those cars that go at a rapid pace instead of going steady at a traffic light. Moreover, use assigned pedestrian roads and get the attention of the driver by making an effort of direct eye contact while crossing. This ensures you have the driver’s attention.
- Jogging or Walking at Traffic
It is much safer to walk or run facing the traffic at the same direction as cars. Meanwhile, pedestrians who walk or jog with their backs facing the traffic may fail to see incoming automobiles from behind. Moreover, such pedestrians fail to detect swerving or reckless drivers and have no time in making evasive action.
Prevention: In the event that there is no available sidewalk, make sure to walk or run in the opposite direction in the course of traffic. Also, wear bright clothing, lights, or reflective gear and ensure to maintain great distance off the road.
Conclusion
There is a myriad of causes for pedestrian accidents and they usually leave severe injuries. In the event that you, a family member, or a person you care for is involved in a pedestrian accident due to a negligent driver, then click here to know what to do legally. You may acquire entitlement to compensation for medical bills and rest from work. Consult with a personal injury lawyer to help you with your case.
Ashley Thompson
Ashley Thompson is a promising young law writer. She hopes to apply her years of study into helping explain legal issues to the public. Ashley loves cooking and often cooks for her family during weekends.
