With the spring season here, more and more of our Connecticut readers will be spending time outdoors. For example, some people will walk to and from work as opposed to driving their car, if they are fortunate enough to be close to where they work. Others will spend more time riding their bikes.
While there is nothing more enjoyable than spending time outdoors, especially after a long winter, you need to remember one thing: Your safety should always come first.
As a pedestrian, don’t overlook the fact that you could be involved in an accident with a motor vehicle. Due to the fact that you don’t have any protection, this type of accident can result in serious injury or even death. It only take a split second for life to come crashing to a halt.
Here are some of the most common causes of pedestrian accidents:
- Distracted driving. When a driver isn’t paying attention to the road, maybe because he or she is texting, there’s a greater chance of striking a pedestrian who is walking, jogging or bicycling.
- Driving under the influence or drugs or alcohol. This type of impairment greatly increases the risk of an accident.
- Failure to adjust for traffic or weather conditions. For example, someone who is driving too fast in the rain has a greater chance of causing a crash.
- Disobeying traffic signals and signs.
- Reckless driving, including but not limited to speeding, swerving and failure to yield to pedestrians in a crosswalk.
As a pedestrian, you need to keep your eyes open at all times. This may allow you to notice danger, thus avoiding trouble. Here are some other tips to follow:
- Don’t dart into traffic
- Only cross the street in a designated crosswalk (when it’s safe to do so)
- Make eye contact with drivers so they know you’re watching and understand your intentions
- Never text while walking
As a pedestrian there is nothing you can do to guarantee your safety at all times. Unfortunately, there are situations in which a driver makes a poor decision that leads to a serious accident.
If a vehicle strikes you, you’ll want to receive immediate medical attention. After you receive treatment, it’s time to learn more about the cause of the accident and your legal rights as an injured pedestrian.
