5 Tips to Help You Avoid Pedestrian Accidents

Whenever you get behind the wheel, you owe a duty of care to those on the road around you. This includes both other motorists and pedestrians.

People on foot are especially vulnerable to sustaining serious injuries in an accident because they have no protection whatsoever from the force of impact. According to the American Association of Retired Persons, a pedestrian dies in a traffic-related crash every two hours.

You can do your part to reduce the prevalence of fatal pedestrian accidents by taking steps to avoid such crashes. This includes:

• Eliminating distractions;
• Checking your mirrors;
• Traveling at a safe speed;
• Driving in a predictable manner; and
• Making eye contact.

Of course, just because you follow all of the above tips does not mean other motorists will, too; however, if a vehicle struck you while on foot, you may be able to hold the driver financially accountable. To determine if you have grounds for a claim, turn to the Cooper Law Firm.

We have a reputation for tough litigation and a strategy for winning substantial settlements and verdicts. Call 903-297-0037 to schedule a free case evaluation with a personal injury lawyer in Texas.

Read on to learn how you can avoid pedestrian accidents:

1. Eliminate Distractions

Distracted driving is a leading cause of pedestrian accidents around the United States. When you take your eyes off the road for five seconds—to send a text message, for example—you will cover the length of an entire football field without looking if you are traveling 55 mph. If a pedestrian crosses your path in that time, an accident is essentially inevitable. 

2. Check Your Mirrors 

People on foot can be especially hard to see when you are backing out of a driveway or parking space. Always check your mirrors and any blind spots before pulling out then do so gradually in case anyone comes up behind you.

3. Travel at a Safe Speed 

The faster you are traveling, the less time you have to respond to any hazards that arise, including pedestrians who dart into the street. Speed limits exist for a reason. Always stick to them unless conditions like foul weather call for you to drive even slower.

4. Drive in a Predictable Manner

Driving in a predictable manner is perhaps the single most effective way to avoid accidents of all kinds. That means following the rules of the road, using your turn signals, and respecting right of way laws at intersections and crosswalks.

5. Make Eye Contact

When on foot, you should always attempt to make eye contact with any oncoming motorists before stepping out onto the street. In that same vein, try to make eye contact with pedestrians before passing through an intersection. Even if you have the right of way, someone could dart into the road; however, if you make eye contact with those waiting to cross, you will know they have seen you and you can proceed without stress.

Sadly, even if you make it a point to avoid pedestrian accidents, those around you may not. If a motorist struck you while on foot, contact the Cooper Law Firm today. Attorney N. Eric Cooper helps clients throughout east Texas.

Call 903-297-0037 to schedule a free consultation with a personal injury attorney in Texas. You can learn more about car accident claims in Texas by visiting USAttorneys.com.

 

Cooper Law Firm

501 North Third Street

Longview, TX 75601

903-297-0037