Accidents happen even when those travelling by foot look both ways before crossing and use caution. So, as a pedestrian, you might feel like there isn’t much you can do to stop a car from crashing into you.
Although you can seek compensation with the help of personal injury attorney in the event of a car accident, there are some measures you can take to try and reduce the chance of becoming a victim.
Increase your visibility
Motorists in pedestrian-heavy areas should be on the lookout for walkers sharing the road. But you can attempt to make yourself more visible a few different ways for added protection. One way to make sure a driver sees you is by only taking routes that are well-lit. Walking on paths that a driver would expect to see you on is important too. This includes opting for sidewalks over streets whenever possible and using crosswalks. Lastly, you can choose to wear clothing that can make you stand out more, like fluorescent colors during the day and clothing with reflective hits at night.
Increase mental awareness
You can also take steps to make sure you are conscious of the space you are taking up, the fellow commuters you pass and the cars driving nearby. This can include cutting out multitasking as you walk. You can do this by limiting phone use, turning the volume down on your music and not reading and strolling at the same time.
You can also increase mental awareness by not taking the streets while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. In the same way that people who drive should take a sober ride home, people who walk from place to place should do the same, or at least walk with a sober friend. Statistics gathered in 2017 reveal that alcohol use was a factor in 47% of all fatal car accidents involving pedestrians, and it was often pedestrians who had liquor in their system.
Being a more conscious and visible pedestrian may help motorists notice you and, in turn, may save your life.