Avoiding Pedestrian Accidents in Your Community
June 22, 2020
Pedestrian Safety Checklist for Your Community
Unfortunately, we see the news articles all too often about a pedestrian who was struck by a vehicle while walking on a sidewalk or in a crosswalk and the injuries were either fatal or catastrophic. Yet, in this uncertain time where we are asked to quarantine in our home for most of the day, it has led many of us to be out on the sidewalks walking or jogging even more than normal to get a break from the house. At some point in the day, everyone is a pedestrian.
There were 6,283 pedestrians killed in traffic crashes in 2018 — the most deaths since 1990. A pedestrian is killed every 88 minutes in the United States. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has provided a helpful list of safety tips and educational material about protecting yourself and your loved ones when walking to help us prevent pedestrian injuries and deaths.
Click on the link below for the "walkability checklist" to see how "walkable" your community is.
Know the Basics for Pedestrian Safety
The pedestrian safety rules may seem easy and clear to adults, but to children just starting out we have to teach them those first basic rules. Here are 10 basic pedestrian safety rules as shown on the NHTSA website:
- Be predictable. Follow the rules of the road and obey signs and signals.
- Walk on sidewalks whenever they are available.
- If there is no sidewalk, walk facing traffic and as far from traffic as possible.
- Keep alert at all times; don’t be distracted by electronic devices that take your eyes (and ears) off the road.
- Whenever possible, cross streets at crosswalks or intersections, where drivers expect pedestrians. Look for cars in all directions, including those turning left or right.
- If a crosswalk or intersection is not available, locate a well-lit area where you have the best view of traffic. Wait for a gap in traffic that allows enough time to cross safely; continue watching for traffic as you cross.
- Never assume a driver sees you. Make eye contact with drivers as they approach to make sure you are seen.
- Be visible at all times. Wear bright clothing during the day, and wear reflective materials or use a flashlight at night.
- Watch for cars entering or exiting driveways, or backing up in parking lots.
- Avoid alcohol and drugs when walking; they impair your abilities and your judgment.
Contact the Mason Firm Today
Have you been seriously injured in a pedestrian accident because of a bad driver? Have you lost a loved one to a fatal pedestrian injury accident? The Mason Firm represents victims of pedestrian accidents and understands the unique complexities of pedestrian accident cases. The insurance company of the at-fault driver often tries to blame the victim. We know their defenses and techniques and know how to maximize the value of pedestrian accident cases to try and get victims the justice they deserve. For more information contact us today or read more on our pedestrian accident page.
The Mason Firm is a pedestrian accident and wrongful death injury law firm with our main office in San Diego and satellite offices in Carlsbad, Escondido, San Bernardino, Riverside, Orange County and Los Angeles. The Mason Firm also focuses their practice on wrongful death, injuries to children
and specifically concussion and traumatic brain injuries. Pedestrian accidents can often have severe injuries to children, including traumatic brain injuries, and the Mason Firm is able to work with financial specialists to set up annuities for children with the compensation received in pedestrian injury accident cases.
If you have suffered injuries in a pedestrian accident contact the Mason Firm today at
619-819-7600
or by going to
www.TheMasonFirm.com.
Our personal injury attorneys use prior defense experience to help represents injury victims. Email us at
info@themasonfirm.com.
Recent Blog Posts
Rideshare accident cases can involve app records, trip receipts, driver status, multiple insurance policies, and disputed coverage. The steps taken after the crash can make a major difference.
Learn when a California injury case may require a government claim, including cases involving public entities, dangerous public property, buses, schools, and jails.
Learn when a nursing home fall may be considered neglect in California, including fall-risk assessments, care plans, supervision failures, dementia, and fatal falls.
Learn what evidence matters after a California truck accident, including ELD records, driver logs, maintenance files, video, black box data, and witness evidence.
Learn how jail medical neglect cases arise in California, including denied medication, delayed treatment, jail deaths, civil rights claims, and family legal rights.
Learn who may file a wrongful death lawsuit in California, what damages may be recovered, and how wrongful death differs from a survival action.
The Mason Firm obtained an $8.5 million jury verdict in a wrongful death case involving San Diego MTS and passenger safety on a public bus.
Learn how California’s 90-day notice requirement works in medical malpractice cases and why timing matters before filing a lawsuit.
Learn when negligent post-surgical follow-up may support a California wrongful death medical malpractice claim after surgery.
Learn the warning signs of nursing home abuse and neglect in California and when families may have a legal claim against a care facility.
