As a pedestrian, you have full control over where you walk and the steps you take to protect your safety. What you can’t control, however, are the decisions made by drivers.
While you do your best to keep an eye on moving vehicles at all times, you know it’s impossible to see everything that’s happening around you.
Here are five mistakes drivers make that can result in a pedestrian accident:
- Distracted driving: For example, if a driver is texting while driving through a crowded city, there’s a greater chance they’ll strike a pedestrian or another vehicle.
- Speeding: When a person is driving faster than the posted speed limit, they’re at risk of doing something that harms another person.
- Failure to yield to pedestrians: It’s a law that drivers yield to pedestrians at crosswalks but this doesn’t always happen.
- Failure to signal: Using turn signals goes a long way in helping pedestrians understand the intentions of a driver.
- Disregard for weather conditions: When the weather changes, such as when snow or rain moving into the area, drivers should adjust their style to lessen the likelihood of an accident.
It’s easy to understand why a car-pedestrian accident is so dangerous. Since you don’t have any protection, a collision can result in serious injuries and even death.
If you’re struck by a motor vehicle, call for immediate help or ask a witness to do so on your behalf. From there, let your medical team guide you down the path to a full recovery.
Also, learn more about the accident, such as why the person struck you and what you can do to protect your legal rights.