Durham Personal Injury Attorney – the weather in the Triangle has warmed up over the last two weeks and the pollen is among is. Spring has definitely sprung. However, with Spring fully underway, there are new safety concerns to consider when you are getting behind the wheel. When the weather is nice, you may find yourself yuwning to cruise around town with your windows down and music blaring, but it’s important to remember that there will be a lot of other people out on the road besides other drivers. When a pedestrian is struck with a vehicle, they do not have the same protection that a vehicle offers so they are often seriously injured.
Pedestrian Safety
People love to take long walks or get a jog in on sunny days. You will likely encounter walkers and runners not only on main roads but also the smaller back roads. Not all roads have sidewalks or crosswalks, especially back roads, so it is important to remember to always be on the lookout for pedestrians. It is not a rare occasion that a driver may find themselves sharing the road with a pedestrian.
It’s important to be especially careful in residential areas, school zones and commercial parking lots where people are almost guaranteed to be walking. If you see someone walking with animals or children, remember that they could dart out into traffic at any time so if it is possible, get into the farthest lane from the pedestrians when you are passing and slow down.
At night, it is harder to see people walking so remember to always use your headlights appropriately, don’t speed, pay attention to the road and keep an eye out for anyone walking along the road.
Pedestrians can also help ensure their own safety by taking certain preventative precautions. If you are a pedestrian, remember these tips to help you stay safe:
- If one is available, use a public sidewalk or crosswalk
- Follow traffic signals and look both ways before crossing the road
- Wear clothing that is bright and reflective so you are easier to see
- Do not let yourself be distracted, especially when crossing a street, by your music or your cell phone
- If no sidewalk is available, walk on the shoulder of the road and face traffic
- Carry a flashlight, headlamp or reflector if you are walking at night, especially if there are no street lights
- Watch for turning vehicles or vehicles that might make a sudden lane change or movement without notice
- Keep in mind when you are walking around bushes, parked cars, etc, you may not be visible to drivers on the road
You can find more tips from the AAA here: Pedestrian Safety.
If you are a pedestrian involved in an accident, it is a good idea to call a Durham Personal Injury Lawyer. The attorneys and staff at Wallace Pierce Law understand how complicated things can be when you are the victim of a motor vehicle accident. Let us assist you in the claims process, so you don’t have to figure it out alone. Recovering from your injuries and getting healthy should be your main concern.
Schedule a free consultation with a Durham car accident attorney at Wallace Pierce Law today by calling (919) 887-7892.