Have you found yourself walking more regularly as of late? Are you appreciating how relaxing and good it is for your physical and mental health so you’re now looking for excuses to walk? There’s no question that walking is one of the best activities you can do for your well-being, but with that said, it does come with its own set of risks. With so many cars on the road and distracted driving being so common, unfortunately, pedestrian safety has become a very real concern.
With the knowledge that pedestrian accidents can happen, here’s a look at some of the best tips and strategies that will help keep you safer while walking.
Make Sure You Are Highly Visible
This particular safety tip is even more important in the evening, but making sure you’re highly visible to vehicles is imperative. There are plenty of reflective clothing and gear options that you can wear, with many athletic pants, tops, and jackets even including reflective strips in the design. Even your walking or running shoes can feature athletic strips for extra visibility.
Some walkers prefer to wear a light at night-time too, such as a light-up headband, necklace or bracelet.
Don’t Listen to Music Too Loudly
Because you need to be aware of your surroundings, be mindful when listening to music. People often pop earbuds in and crank the tunes, but you may miss warning signs such as a honking of a horn, a skid, brakes, someone shouting, etc. Keep the music low, and maybe even keep one ear free of your earbuds.
Use the Sidewalk Whenever Possible
It sounds simple, but it still needs to be said. If there is a sidewalk available, it’s important to use it. The sidewalk is your designated area for walking, and that’s not to say you don’t have to be careful, but it does mean you are less likely to get hit by a vehicle.
If there is no sidewalk, make sure you walk against the flow of traffic; the cars should never be coming from behind you as you won’t be able to see what’s happening and react if necessary.
Always Use Designated Crosswalks
When it comes time to cross the street, be sure to use designated crosswalks and adhere to the signals. Still be vigilant and double, even triple-check all ways before stepping out onto the street. What happens if there is no crosswalk? Look for an open area that offers good visibility for you and traffic. It should be well-lit and the least busy choice possible. Some pedestrians will hold up their hands and point in the direction they are walking while they cross, just to make sure their intentions are clear to drivers.
Take Care When Walking Through Parking Lots and Past Driveways
Sidewalks aren’t the only place you need to be careful; parking lots and walking past driveways also pose a risk – sometimes a higher risk. Again, it’s about looking in all directions, staying away and proceeding with caution.
Have Your Cell Phone with You While Walking
Having a safety plan in place is just good common sense, and when it comes to walking, your cell phone is your best safety plan. Should you become involved in an accident and are hit by a vehicle, you can use it to call for help.
What to Do If You’re Involved in a Pedestrian Accident?
Even when using all of these safety tips and staying vigilant while on foot, accidents can still happen. So, what should you do if you’re the victim of a pedestrian accident thanks to the negligence of another party? The first thing to do is seek immediate medical attention. You will also want to call the police so a report can be filled out and filed. Once your immediate medical needs have been met and you’re stable, it’s wise to contact a lawyer.
A lawyer is important as they can go over the accident with you while the details are fresh. They can look over the police report and medical records and talk to you about whether or not you have a potential claim. They will also talk to you about compensation for personal injury and what you can expect. Compensation is meant to cover all kinds of expenses, both medically and for future expenses such as loss of ability to work either temporarily or permanently. Pain and suffering can also be compensated for.
If you think you have a claim, we invite you to visit the Binder Law Group offices at 16633 Ventura Blvd. #602 Encino, CA 91436. Got any questions? Call now for a free consultation on (818) 659-8588.