Did you know that one of the mistakes pedestrians make is wearing dark clothing?
Whether walking to the plaza to pick up some groceries, to the park so your kids can burn off energy after dinner, or to the convenience store to get some snacks, you must be careful. Why? Pedestrians get the short end of the stick when cars collide with them.
Close to 8,000 pedestrians were killed in the U.S. in 2021. That works out to around one death every hour and six minutes. You don’t want to be part of such statistics — not by a long shot.
Here are five mistakes pedestrians often make that can boost their risks of accidents on the road.
1. Allowing Themselves to Get Distracted
Distraction is a big problem for pedestrians. Drivers need to focus on operating their vehicles, but that doesn’t mean pedestrians don’t have some responsibility. If you’re walking anywhere around town, you need to exercise caution. Be aware of your surroundings and use your eyes and ears to stay alert. Otherwise, your risk of accidents will skyrocket. It doesn’t take much effort to focus on the task at hand, so take off the headphones and put away your smartphone.
2. Wearing Dark Clothes
Another mistake pedestrians often make is wearing dark clothes when out and about at night. Remember, you must be visible to motorists. If you’re wearing dark clothing, there’s a chance drivers won’t see you until it’s too late. According to one source, more pedestrian deaths take place in the dark (76%) than in the daylight, dusk, and dawn combined. You can reduce your risks by wearing reflective clothing so drivers know you’re there.
3. Taking Risks
Have you ever seen a pedestrian step out in front of your car, seemingly oblivious to the risks? That’s one reason drivers have to be especially careful. They can’t assume pedestrians will do the right thing. But pedestrians have a role to play, too. If you’re on foot, don’t assume motorists see you or will compensate for your faux pas. Obey the rules of the road.
4. Walking While Intoxicated
While it’s common knowledge that people shouldn’t drink and drive, it’s just as true that pedestrians shouldn’t be out and about while intoxicated. If you’re inebriated on the sidewalk, you won’t be alert, and your response time will be off. The risks of getting into an accident will be higher if you’re not in your right mind. So, if you’ve had something to drink and are drunk, sleep off the effects of the alcohol before traveling, whether on foot or by vehicle.
5. Failing to Watch Second Cars
Yet another mistake pedestrians must avoid is failing to watch for second cars. When crossing the road, you shouldn’t just focus on the closest car. While the first car to pull up to the stop light might see you, the second or third might not. So, make eye contact with motorists before crossing the road, and ensure they know you’re there. It’s better to be safe than sorry.
Taking needless risks can lead to negative consequences for pedestrians. But there are things you can do to greatly reduce your risks of getting hit by a car. Whether due to drivers or pedestrians, accidents happen.
If you’re injured by a car as a pedestrian, see your doctor for a check-up. Your next order of business is to call a personal injury lawyer. If you have grounds for a personal injury case, a personal injury lawyer can help pursue a fair compensation amount. When you receive compensation, you can pursue medical care without having to pay out of pocket.
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