Pedestrian Safety Tips for Summer
Everyone wants to get out of the house a little during the summer. Parents and grandparents take their kids to the park, people spend hours at the beach, and the enjoyment of a bike ride is almost universal. But all of these activities mean people are on the sidewalks, bike paths, and streets at all times of the day and night, which puts them in danger. Across the U.S., 4,884 pedestrians were killed in car accidents in 2014, according to the National Highway Traffic Association. Thousands more were injured. Florida continuously accounts for a significant percentage of these deaths and injuries every year. If you were hurt as a pedestrian or your loved one was tragically killed, call the Clermont personal injury attorneys at Oldham & Smith to learn how we can help you.
Staying Safe as a Pedestrian
It may seem impossible, but Florida pedestrians and drivers can work together to reduce vehicle-pedestrian accidents to zero. Pedestrians can take steps to stay safe, including:
Remain alert: Looking out for cars is important. This can mean turning down the volume on the music, taking out the earbuds entirely, and avoiding phone conversations while you walk, run, or bike.
Stay visible: If you are out in the early morning, dusk, or night-time you need to make sure you are visible to motorists with bright or reflective clothing or even lights.
Stick to sidewalks: You should always stay on the sidewalk and avoid walking in the street or on shoulders. But sometimes this is not an option. If there is no sidewalk, walk as far away from traffic as possible and in the direction of traffic. If you walk toward the vehicles, drivers are more likely to see you and you can see if a problem is headed toward you.
Use crosswalks: Crossing in the middle of the street or when it is not your turn increases the likelihood that a driver will not see you on the road because they are not expecting you. You should cross using crosswalks when it is your signal or when you are sure all drivers at stop signs have come to a complete stop.
Go in groups: Drivers are more likely to see groups of people than individuals. When you can, walk with your friends and family.
Contact a Florida Personal Injury Attorney
If you were hit by a car, you may have the right to financially recover from the person who caused the accident. If you loved one was killed, you may have the same right to recovery or even to file a wrongful death suit.
Contact the experienced attorneys at Oldham & Smith for help in working with insurance companies for a settlement. If you are unable to recover from the driver’s insurance for your or your loved one’s injuries, the lawyers at Oldham & Smith can help you determine if filing a lawsuit is right for you.
