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Walking is a healthy and affordable mode of transportation and exercise. While it is also generally safe, pedestrians face a greater risk of severe injuries than other people on the road in accidents. However, they can take steps to minimize their chances of getting injured in crashes.
Following these safety precautions for Burbank pedestrians can help lessen your chances of getting hit by a motor vehicle. When you are injured, a skilled pedestrian accident attorney could help you explore potential avenues of recovery.
Pedestrians cannot prevent all accidents. A fast-moving car that is out of control can be impossible to avoid. However, they can take steps to make sure that they are safer on the road.
The first thing pedestrians should do is familiarize themselves with rules about right-of-way. When can pedestrians cross the road? Where can pedestrians cross the road? If there are no sidewalks, where should pedestrians walk? If there are no crosswalks, where should pedestrians cross the road? Knowing the answer to questions like this prepares a pedestrian to get out on the road.
The next thing pedestrians should do is be ready to throw out the rules of right-of-way. It does not matter if a pedestrian has the right-of-way if a driver is willing to ignore those rules. In a battle of pedestrian versus vehicle, the vehicle will always win. So, pedestrians need to be hyper-aware of their surroundings and ready to respond when vehicles ignore the right-of-way or otherwise put them in danger.
Many drivers report that they did not see a pedestrian before an accident, so it is important to be as visible to everyone on the road as possible. Pedestrians can improve their visibility by dressing smartly. Daytime visibility is usually not an issue, but at nighttime or in bad weather, pedestrians should wear brightly-colored clothing and carry a flashlight. For bad weather, a brightly colored umbrella or raincoat can help.
Pedestrians can also engage in behaviors to ensure drivers see them. Instead of assuming that a driver at a crosswalk or intersection can see them, pedestrians should try to make eye contact with drivers. Doing so ensures that the driver sees them, which help the motorist register that there is a pedestrian on the road.
A pedestrian should stick to the sidewalk whenever possible, as these are the safest places for pedestrians. When sidewalks are not available, they should choose an alternate route. Even if it adds a few minutes to the trip, a route with sidewalks is always possible. If there are no sidewalks, the pedestrian should walk on the opposite side of the street to see the oncoming traffic.
Some tip lists will tell pedestrians to avoid listening to music or other distractions while they are walking. That is ideal, but it may not be realistic. Pedestrians who do choose to listen to music, podcasts, or other entertainment should not cover both ears. They should also be extra careful to ensure they stop at all crosswalks, stay on sidewalks, and focus on traffic around them. Following all of these safety precautions helps people in Burbank stay safer when walking.
Drivers must also follow safety precautions to protect pedestrians in Burbank. Anyone driving a vehicle should stay off the phone, abstain from driving under the influence, and watch their speed. Any distraction can make it easy to miss a pedestrian. It is hard to see pedestrians in dark conditions or bad weather, so drivers should pay more attention.
Observing safety rules can never eliminate the chance of pedestrian accidents, it can certainly lessen it. When you are involved in a pedestrian accident, you may have severe injuries that require time-consuming and costly recovery. An attorney could help you evaluate safety precautions for Burbank pedestrians, determine whether the driver was to blame, and decide if you could pursue compensation. Call us today to schedule a consultation.
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