We have covered many topics related to being behind the wheel of a vehicle. We’ve tackled subject matter for teen drivers, tips for documenting an accident scene, and even what paperwork you need to keep in your car in case of an accident; however, we have NOT mentioned safety when you aren’t on the inside of a vehicle.
That’s why we think it’s time to cover pedestrian safety, and offer some tips to you, our readers, for keeping yourself and the ones you care about safe when on foot near a roadway.
Pedestrian deaths, on average, occur at a rate of one person every two hours. Additionally, there are over 400 pedestrian injuries requiring hospital care every 24 hours. These numbers are shocking, and sadly, many of these incidents could be prevented with some simple safety precautions.
So, how do you stay safe when you’re hitting the road on foot?
First, make pedestrian safety a top priority with your children. Teach them to look left, and then right, before crossing a street. For children under the age of 10, teach them to always cross roadways with an adult. Make sure your kids know that it’s best to walk on sidewalks whenever possible, and only cross the street at crosswalks when available. If children are trained in pedestrian safety from an early age, they are far less likely to end up being injured, or worse, from an accident in the future.
Second, model pedestrian safety yourself by…
- Put down devices and take out headphones before crossing a roadway. Not being able to hear, or being distracted by a screen, can be the difference between life and death when it comes to road safety.
- Be aware of sharing the roadway with bicyclists or other pedestrians, especially runners. Give them plenty of space to safely pass around you.
- Always wear reflective clothing and/or carry a flashlight when walking at night.
- When a sidewalk is not available, walk as far off the road as possible, and remember to face oncoming traffic. This ensures that a car doesn’t “sneak up on you” unexpectedly from behind you.
We hope you’ll keep these tips in mind both while you are walking the roads and when you are behind the wheel. Pedestrian safety is rooted in drivers being aware of pedestrians in the first place.
If you are involved in an accident, whether behind the wheel or while on foot, proper representation is vital. Don’t get frustrated trying to navigate the confusing world of insurance claims and legal jargon on your own. Sessums Law is proud to serve the greater Lakeland community, and we are ready to help in your moment of need. When the unexpected happens, we stand for YOU!