Pedestrian safety is always an issue, but there have been increasing problems in recent years throughout the nation. Now, according to the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA), it appears that 2019 was the worst year on record since 1988 regarding the number of pedestrian fatalities in the United States. There was a 5% increase in deaths in 2018 alone, which vastly outpaces the 2% increase in all other traffic deaths combined.
The dangers for pedestrians who are walking in low light are especially severe. Pedestrian fatalities at night have increased 67% over the past decade compared to just a 16% increase in daytime deaths. As we head into fall and winter with the limited number of daylight hours, anybody who has to walk after dark should take extra precautions for their safety.
Here are some tips to keep you safer this fall:
- Remember that you can be hit by a car anywhere you may be. There is no safe zone, even in your own neighborhood, the parking lot of your favorite grocery store or while using a crosswalk. You can never afford to let down your guard.
- Use crosswalks and intersections as often as possible, and stick to lighted areas whenever you can. Make sure that you look both ways before you step into the street or anywhere moving cars may be. Don’t count on your “right of way” to protect you.
- Aim for high-visibility at all times. You cannot assume a driver sees you. Wear bright, reflective clothing and gear, make eye contact with drivers if you’re about to step into the street and travel with a buddy for extra visibility.
- Don’t let yourself be distracted and don’t walk while impaired. If you’ve been drinking, call for a ride. Make sure that you keep one ear free from your headphones so that you can hear the traffic and your eyes away from your phone as you walk.
Even so, you can end up in a serious pedestrian accident through no fault of your own. If that happens, find out more about your right to seek compensation for your injuries and losses.
Pedestrian safety is always an issue, but there have been increasing problems in recent years throughout the nation. Now, according to the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA), it appears that 2019 is the worst year on record since 1988 when it comes to the number of pedestrian fatalities in this nation. There was a 5% increase in deaths over 2018 alone, which vastly outpaces the 2% increase in all other traffic deaths combined.
The dangers for pedestrians who are walking in low light are especially severe. Pedestrian fatalities at night have increased 67% over the past decade compared to just a 16% increase in daytime deaths. As we head into fall and winter with the reduced number of daylight hours, anybody who has to walk somewhere should take extra precautions for their safety.
Here are some tips:
- Remember that you can be hit by a car anywhere you may be, even in your own neighborhood, the parking lot of your favorite grocery store or while using a crosswalk. You can never afford to let down your guard.
- Use crosswalks and intersections as often as possible, and stick to lighted areas whenever you can. Make sure that you look both ways, however, before you step into the street or anywhere moving cars may be. Don’t count on your “right of way” to protect you.
- Aim for high-visibility at all times. You cannot assume a driver sees you. Wear bright or reflective clothing and gear, make eye contact with drivers if you’re about to step into the street and travel with a buddy for extra visibility.
- Don’t let yourself be distracted and don’t walk while impaired. If you’ve been drinking, call for a ride. Make sure that you keep one ear free from your headphones so that you can hear the traffic and your eyes away from your phone as you walk.
Even so, you can end up in a serious pedestrian accident through no fault of your own. If that happens, find out more about your right to claim compensation for your injuries and losses.