Safety Tips to Prevent Pedestrian Accidents

As a driver, you are likely to encounter pedestrians at any time and at any place. In order to help you keep a more watchful eye out, we’ve compiled a great list of safety tips for both pedestrians and drivers in order to help prevent crashes from occurring.

Tips for Drivers

• Be aware of the fact that you can and will encounter pedestrians at any time and at any place.

• Unfortunately, pedestrians can, at times, be very hard to see. They are usually the hardest to spot during bad weather or at night. If you can’t see clearly for any reason, make sure you keep a closer look out and reduce your speed.

• Drive slowly as you are beginning to enter a crosswalk area. Be prepared to make sudden stops if necessary.

• If pedestrians are in the crosswalk, come to a complete stop. In addition, try to stop far back enough for other drivers in other lanes to be able to easily spot the pedestrians as well so they can also come to a stop.

• If another vehicle has stopped for pedestrians, do not attempt to overtake or pass them.

• Typically, when you are waiting to turn, you are usually waiting for some sort of “gap” in traffic. Beware of the fact that while you are waiting for the “gap”, pedestrians might have moved into your intended path.

• When entering a school zone or neighborhood, be especially attentive for signs of children.

Tips for Pedestrians

• As a pedestrian you should do your best to be predictable. Never walk onto freeways or restricted zones. Always use sidewalks where they are provided and only cross or enter streets where it is legal for you to do so.

• If there are no sidewalks available to walk on, walk while facing road traffic since it is typically much safer to do so.

• Always be easily visible. Dress in colors that stand out or wear retro-reflective material. For dark areas, consider carrying a flashlight.

• While most drivers are good drivers, never count on them always paying attention. Keep a watchful eye out and make it a point to make eye contact with them to be sure that they see you.

• Alcohol and drugs can also impair your ability to walk home safely, so drink in moderation and don’t do drugs.

• If attempting to cross multiple lanes or high speed streets, use extreme caution.

If you or someone you know has suffered from some form of a pedestrian accident, the personal injury lawyers of Sweeney, Sweeney & Sweeney can help. Sweeney Attorneys is your number one choice when it comes to a pedestrian accident lawyer Riverside County. Get in touch with a pedestrian accident attorney Riverside County today!

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