May 13, 2018
How can I make myself more visible to car drivers?
Especially at night, you may want to consider your attire and whether a car driver could easily see you walking across the street. Of course, your entire outfit should not be based on what a driver may notice. But, incorporating a bright scarf to your evening attire could be the single factor that makes a driver to see you, and swerve away just in time. Other tips regarding attire and useful tools to have as a pedestrian are listed as follows:
- Wear light colors or bright designs that are reflective
- Carry a small, pocket size flashlight with you when walking during night time
- Do not cross the street in between parked cars, as you may come as a surprise to a driver
- Cross the street in an area where there is a street lamp or light to make you more visible
What are some ways that a pedestrian may be putting themselves in danger?
There are certain behaviors a pedestrian can commit, which may be actually putting themselves in the line of danger without even realizing it. A pedestrian can help lessen their chances of being hit by considering these tips:
- Always walking on the sidewalk, not off the curb or in the gutter area
- Never walking off to the side of traffic if there is no sidewalk
- Not walking around outdoors while intoxicated
- Never assuming a car driver sees you, and making eye contact before crossing
- Not relying completely on pedestrian signals, as a distracted driver on their phone could easily plow through a light without looking up
- Staying aware when walking in a parking lot, keeping an eye out for cars backing up
How can I be more careful when crossing?
It is unfortunate that a person cannot rely solely on a pedestrian signal right of way to know they are safe to cross the street. Car drivers may make a right or left turn at a street light, even when a pedestrian walk sign is flashing. Here are a few tips to help make your cross even more safe:
- Only crossing a street when there is a marked crosswalk for pedestrians
- Looking left, right, then left again before crossing
- Still watching out for cars even during your pedestrian right of way
- Taking out earphones or holding a call as you cross the street
If you do find yourself in a pedestrian accident, it may be in your best interest to seek out a pedestrian accident lawyer residents have trusted in the past.