There were undoubtedly more pedestrians in California and throughout the nation in the days before motor vehicles became a common means of travel. Regardless, you may still enjoy walking to work once in a while if you’re fortunate enough to live near your office. You may also like to go to town on your days off for a stroll, while taking in the sights, visiting shops and perhaps dining at your favorite restaurants. However, walking can be just as dangerous as driving.
Pedestrians are at risk any time they travel in areas that are open to nearby traffic. Then again, you may even be in danger if you’re far from a traffic area but a vehicle careens out of control and hops a curb, as has happened on many occasions in this state and elsewhere.
Keeping these tips in mind may help you stay safe
Anyone walking, riding a bicycle or in a stroller, etc., is considered a pedestrian. If you plan on venturing out on foot in the near future, the following safety tips may come in handy:
- It’s best to walk during broad daylight because it helps you be more visible to motorists.
- If you do walk at night, it’s recommended you wear neon reflective clothing and carry a flashlight to illuminate any darkened areas.
- No sidewalks? Stay on the shoulder of the road facing traffic to decrease your risk for injury.
- Avoid crossing any streets unless you can use designated crosswalks or intersections controlled with traffic and pedestrian signals.
- Just as motorists are cautioned not to be distracted with electronic devices behind the wheel, pedestrians also should remain focused on the road and not use any hand-held devices while walking, especially if there’s traffic nearby.
It’s also best to walk sober, just as it’s best to driver sober. If you are walking with children, you obviously need to look out for their safety as well. If you’re hit by a car while traveling on foot, chances are you may suffer severe injuries. In fact, many such accidents are fatal. Surviving a pedestrian accident likely means you’re in for a lengthy recovery, which might include repeated medical visits, surgery or physical therapy.
If the driver who hit you was negligent, you may want to seek legal accountability against him or her. Many other California pedestrian accident victims have used compensation awarded in court to cover medical expenses and help with their daily living needs while they’re recuperating.