Safety First. Your Life Depends on It.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has designated this October as the first-ever National Pedestrian Safety Month. As part of its efforts to increase awareness on pedestrian safety and reduce the number of serious injuries and fatalities on the roads, each week of the month the NHTSA will be highlighting dangerous driving behaviors that put pedestrians at risk. In addition, the NHTSA made resources including a data visualization tool, safety tips and social media graphics and messaging to help states and communities “identify, address, and improve pedestrian safety.”
The following statistics provided by the NHTSA demonstrate the urgent need for pedestrian safety awareness:
- Over 30% of pedestrian fatalities occur between 6 p.m. and 8:59 p.m., and with the end of Daylight Saving Time approaching, the risk of danger to pedestrians increases
- In 2018, 6,283 pedestrians were killed in traffic crashes in the US
- This number accounts for 17% of all traffic fatalities in 2018
- This number means a traffic-related pedestrian death occurs every 84 minutes in the US
What many people fail to consider is that things like alcohol, drugs and distractions not only impact driving but walking, too. Thus, the NHTSA advises both drivers and pedestrians to avoid using drugs, alcohol and distractions such as cellphones to best avoid injuries and deaths on the road. Further, it provides the following ten safety tips that both drivers and pedestrians can greatly from.
For Walking:
- Walk on sidewalks whenever they are available. If you don’t see one, walk in the direction of oncoming traffic so you can keep an eye out for vehicles, but ensure you walk as far away from traffic as possible.
- Be alert at all times. Avoid distractions from electronic devices that take your eyes and ears off the road.
- When possible, cross streets at crosswalks or intersections where drivers expect pedestrians, and look for cars in all directions, including ones that are turning. If crosswalks or intersections aren’t available, locate a well-lit area where you have the best view of traffic and wait for a gap that allows enough time to cross safely and watch for traffic as you do so.
- Be visible at all times by wearing bright clothing during the day and wearing reflective materials or using a flashlight at night. Never assume a driver can see you but rather make eye contact with approaching drivers to ensure you are visible to them.
- Watch for cars entering or exiting driveways, or backing up in parking lots.
For Driving:
- Look out for pedestrians everywhere and at all times. Be extra cautious when driving in low-visibility conditions, such as nighttime or bad weather.
- Slow down and prepare to stop when turning or otherwise entering a crosswalk. Never pass vehicles stopped at a crosswalk because there may be pedestrians crossing that you can’t see.
- Yield to pedestrians in crosswalks, and stop well behind the crosswalk to allow other vehicles to see and stop for crossing pedestrians.
- Follow the speed limit, especially around people on the street, and be mindful of slower speed limits in school zones and neighborhoods where children are present.
- Be extra cautious when backing up, as pedestrians can move into your path.
Were You Injured in an Accident?
If you are a driver or pedestrian who was injured in an accident through no fault of your own, don’t lose hope. With Balbo & Gregg, Attorneys at Law, PC in your corner, you can rest assured that our Hinesville personal injury lawyers will go above and beyond to ensure you leave better off than how you came. No matter what challenges you’re up against, we are confident in our abilities to help overcome them.
Contact us at (866) 580-3089 to schedule your free consultation and learn more!