As a pedestrian, you’ll constantly find yourself in close proximity to moving motor vehicles. This holds true when jogging around your community, strolling through the parking lot at the mall or walking to work.
Knowing why pedestrian-vehicle accidents happen can help keep you safe, as you’re able to adjust your approach to avoid trouble. Here are some of the most common causes:
- Distracted driving
- Reckless driving, such as failure to use turn signals and illegal passing
- Excessive speeding
- Disobeying traffic signals and signs
- Failure to yield to pedestrians at crosswalks
- Disregarding weather conditions, such as fog that causes poor visibility
- Disregarding traffic conditions
- Drowsy driving
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
Since you don’t have any control over the people on the road, you should remain alert at all times. Knowing what’s going on around you can help you avoid dangerous situations.
There are other specific things you can do to improve your safety, such as:
- Only cross the road at designated crosswalks when possible
- Never dart into traffic
- Make eye contact with drivers so they’re aware that you’re watching them
- Follow the “walk” and “don’t walk” signals at intersections
If you’re struck by a motor vehicle as a pedestrian, you can expect to suffer a variety of serious injuries. These can include but are not limited to traumatic brain injury, broken bones and abrasions.
As you recover, learn more about the cause of the accident and how to protect your legal rights. There are many steps you can take to hold the negligent driver responsible, with the idea of receiving compensation for your injuries.