Every day, an increasing number of individuals seek alternative forms of transportation to get around. However, one means of transportation is far more popular than the others: walking. Not only can walking improve your health, but it is also the most cost-effective mode of transportation. While society encourages people to walk, there are dangers that might lead to pedestrian accidents.
Risk Factors That Cause Pedestrian Accidents
If a pedestrian is struck by a car, they are in danger of serious harm. As a result, practicing caution is critical in lowering the risk of a collision. A variety of circumstances can cause an accident with a pedestrian to happen. While many of the concerns can be controlled by the pedestrian, others are the vehicle driver’s responsibility.
Let’s take a look at a few of them.
1. Crosswalks Without Markings
Pedestrians crossing the street in marked crosswalks have the best visibility possible. The purpose of road striping, signage, and stop lights is to direct a driver’s awareness to the fact that someone may be on the road.
Pedestrian safety measures, such as traffic lights and signage, are not in place at unmarked crosswalks. Remember to constantly keep your eyes open for approaching cars when crossing the road. Additionally, provide adequate room for other drivers to yield to you.
2. Left Turns
It is impossible to predict whether pedestrians may be struck by turning vehicles even if they are heading in the same direction. Vehicles performing left-hand turns are dangerous to pedestrians. Drivers making a left turn pay less attention to approaching traffic than pedestrians at a crosswalk. The driver may fail to detect the pedestrian until it is too late to stop.
3. Distracted Driving
Accidents caused by distractions are increasing. Many people, unfortunately, are not exempt from this risky behavior.
Drivers who frequently engage in other activities while behind the wheel may barely glance at the road. While all these forms of distractions could only span moments, it is conceivable that an accident might occur at any moment.
4. Adverse Weather
Driving and walking may be challenging with rain, snow, smog, and other forms of bad weather. Even if many don’t want to go out in bad weather, walking is usually the only option.
When there is precipitation, drivers should keep their attention on the road. Aside from limited visibility, the road may become wet or slick, giving cars less time to halt if a pedestrian is in their path.
5. Dark Clothing
Visibility is crucial, regardless of your position on the road. While vehicles have front and rear lights, it might be hard to notice persons clothed in dark clothing at night.
6. Jaywalking
Jaywalking is against the law in several states in the United States, while local rules and enforcement vary by town. Jaywalking pedestrians might face fines for breaking state and local traffic regulations.
Jaywalking, though, carries a much larger danger than just a fine. For example, blind turns increase the risk of being hit by a car. The more difficult it is to see the road, the more probable it is that you may hit a pedestrian.
7. Intoxication
It is possible for both motorists and pedestrians to be intoxicated and cause accidents. Driving under the influence is a well-known risk. Drinking, on the other hand, can reduce a pedestrian’s ability to coordinate, make sound decisions, and control his or her body.
Take Charge And Be Careful
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, more than 6,000 pedestrians were killed in motor vehicle crashes in 2019. These are some depressing statistics. Pedestrians, however, can cause or contribute to their own injuries.
Being inebriated and indulging in activities such as receiving phone calls and texting while walking is becoming increasingly common. As a result, we must be more vigilant on the streets. It all begins with you and me.
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