10 Steps All Pedestrians Should Follow

Legal Assistance for Injured Pedestrians in MA and RI

When it comes to transportation, individuals have a variety of options for getting from one location to the next. At some point, however, each one of us has little choice but to walk or run to our final destination. While drivers and passengers in cars and trucks bear some risk while operating their vehicles on the road, pedestrians are more susceptible to coming into contact with a vehicle and subsequently being injured. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, just under 4,750 pedestrians were involved in a fatal road accident during 2012, while another 76,000 were mildly or severely injured. In order to stay safe on the road while on foot, it is important to understand which pedestrians are most at risk and the steps that should be taken to remain safe.

Pedestrian Risk Levels

Even though all pedestrians are at risk of being struck by a car or truck, certain categories of pedestrians are at a greater risk than others. First, individuals aged 65 and above are more susceptible to an accident while on foot than other pedestrians. In fact, the Department of Transportation reports that 20% of all pedestrian fatalities and 9% of all pedestrian injuries involve elderly individuals. Additionally, children are at a higher risk than other pedestrians, accounting for one in five pedestrian fatalities during 2012. Finally, individuals who are impaired due to drug or alcohol use while walking are more likely to be involved in a pedestrian accident than others.

Best Practices for Pedestrians

To remain safe on the road while walking or running, pedestrians can follow these ten steps:

  1. Be visible to other road users by wearing brightly colored clothing, reflective shoes, or accessories.
  2. Carry a flashlight at night.
  3. Avoid jaywalking or crossing the street where no crosswalk exists. Cars and trucks have a difficult time seeing pedestrians crossing the road where there is no designated sign.
  4. Make eye contact with drivers and/or passengers when stopped at a red light to ensure they see you prior to crossing the street.
  5. Avoid distractions by not using a phone or portable music device while walking or crossing the street.
  6. Take care to follow all traffic signs, signals, and road usage rules.
  7. Stay in well-lit areas as much as possible.
  8. Walk or run on sidewalks when they are present. If a sidewalk is not available, walk or run facing oncoming traffic so that drivers can see you.
  9. Do not walk or run on streets or roads where pedestrians are not allowed, including major highways with heavy traffic.
  10. Stop at each curb to check for traffic from the right and from the left. This should be done regardless of a walk sign or a red light.
  11. Never allow children to cross a street or intersection alone because they can be unpredictable in their movements.

Speak to a Rhode Island Accident Attorney Today

At the Bottaro Law Firm, LLC, we understand how devastating an accident can be when a pedestrian is involved. We work with our accident injury clients to ensure they receive sufficient compensation for medical treatment and other damages incurred. If you have been involved in an accident as a pedestrian, contact us today to discuss your case.