Walking is a healthy and eco-friendly way to get from point A to point B, and fall is a beautiful time of year to enjoy the great outdoors. The weather is cooler, the skies are bluer, and the changing colors of the nature adds to what is already an enjoyable experience.
Times have changed and walking is not as safe as it used to be, as pedestrian accidents are on the rise. While all other traffic deaths decreased by 14% in a recent ten-year period, pedestrian fatalities increased by 27%, as reported by the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA).
Here at Allen Flatt Ballidis & Leslie, we want you and your family to stay safe when out enjoying your fall strolls. Whether you are walking for pleasure or transportation, taking the following steps can help you maximize safety and minimize your chances of being hurt in a pedestrian accident.
Tips for Safer Walking
- Don’t text while you walk: Just as texting while driving is a dangerous activity, so is texting while walking. Distracted walking is a contributing factor to the increase in pedestrian accidents.
- Don’t J-walk: Only cross the street n designated pedestrian crossing areas, and always be sure there is no oncoming traffic when you are crossing.
- Don’t let go of your child’s hand: Children are the most vulnerable of us, so be sure to keep them close at hand when crossing the street.
- Walk sober: Walking under the influence of alcohol or drugs increases your risk of being involved in an accident. Pedestrian fatalities increased by 16.4% collectively in the seven states plus DC that decriminalized marijuana between 2012 and 2016, while the remaining states experienced a collective 5.8% decrease in pedestrian deaths, as reported by the GHSA.
- Turn down your tunes: If you are listening to music while you walk, keep the volume low enough that you can still hear road noises and activity around you.
- Watch out for turning vehicles: Drivers executing left-hand turns against oncoming traffic or trying to make the green arrow may not be looking out for pedestrians in the crosswalk. Some drivers in a hurry may even knowingly and intentionally fail to yield the right of way to pedestrians.
- Stay extra alert on rainy days: Rain reduces driver visibility, and that makes pedestrians harder to see. Stay alert in case defensive maneuvers are needed.
- Take a step back from the street: Cars have been known to hop the curve from time to time. When you are on a sidewalk, keep a safe distance between yourself and the street to avoid being hit.
Get Legal Help After a Pedestrian Accident
If the worst happens and you are injured in a pedestrian accident, your best course of action is to speak with an experienced attorney as soon as possible. Our Orange County auto accident lawyers at Allen Flatt Ballidis & Leslie have been representing injured people for more than 40 years. We have recovered hundreds of millions of dollars in settlements and verdicts for our clients. Call us at (949) 752-7474 to schedule a free consultation after a serious pedestrian accident.