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On any given day during any season in every community across the nation pedestrians are out walking. It is important that while pedestrians are out and about that they are safe. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that in 2016 alone, 5,987 pedestrians were killed in accidents with motor vehicles. It is staggering to know that approximately every 90 minutes a pedestrian was involved in a fatal accident in this country.
Children typically spend a lot of time outdoors. They can be impulsive and negligent about their safety when they are running around having fun. A good family rule is that when kids under 10 are walking in traffic areas, they need close watching to help prevent pedestrian accidents. As they grow, kids need repeated discussions about safety while walking. Even older kids benefit from reminders to stay safe and follow the notion to stop and look left-right-left before proceeding. Wearing bright or reflective clothing is another useful practice.
Walkers of any age need to follow a few guidelines to help keep themselves safe. It is important to walk facing traffic to focus on what is going on ahead. It is a good idea to obey traffic signs and signals and utilize sidewalks and crosswalks wherever they are available.
Drivers need to consistently follow the rules of the road and watch out for and yield to pedestrians in crosswalks and along the roadways. It is important to take extra care during inclement weather and in the dark. School zones and areas where children are typically on foot or riding bicycles require extra caution.
When pedestrian accidents occur, they can have devastating consequences. Families who experience the loss of a loved one in this type of accident might seek the advice of a personal injury attorney to help negotiate insurance settlements or file lawsuits if necessary.