Statistics show that more than 4,300 pedestrians are killed in traffic accidents each year in the United States, with the afternoon and evening hours being the most dangerous, and nearly half of all pedestrian fatalities occurring on Friday, Saturday or Sunday. Obviously, pedestrians are much more likely to come out on the losing end when they are hit by a car which is basically thousands of pounds of steel and glass. While the driver and passengers inside the car are protected to a certain degree, especially when the car strikes a pedestrian, the pedestrian is completely vulnerable to injury.
Children between the ages of 5 and 10 are the most likely victims of a pedestrian-car accident, although those over age 65 also account for a large percentage of pedestrian accidents. Halloween is a particularly dangerous night for children, although New Year’s Day still holds the record for the highest pedestrian fatality rates. While many accidents between a car and a pedestrian are the result of a distracted or negligent driver, there are specific actions pedestrians can take to avoid becoming a casualty in a car-pedestrian accident.
Ways Pedestrians Can Avert Disaster
Pedestrians should strive to be fairly predictable when they are walking on busy streets, and understand that drivers are frequently distracted and probably aren’t watching out for pedestrians like they should be. Make sure you always walk in designated places, and cross only at crosswalks. You must obey all traffic laws and signs, and never attempt to cross the street on a red light simply because you don’t see a car coming, or it seems far enough away. If you are forced to walk in an area without sidewalks, make sure you walk on the side facing the oncoming traffic, and if there is little shoulder to the road, stand still when cars pass you.
Wear either light or bright colors to make you more easily visible, and if you walk at night, make sure you have a jacket or shirt with reflective tape on it. Walk defensively in the same way you drive defensively, meaning don’t talk on your phone, text, or use headsets or MP3 players which could cause you to miss the necessary sounds of traffic. Obviously, don’t walk when you are under the influence of drugs or alcohol, even certain prescription drugs. Even if you have a green light in the crosswalk, look left, right and left again before you walk. Never assume that because you can see a driver he or she can see you as well. Drivers can be multi-tasking (never a good idea) while they drive, meaning they may be more focused on the burrito they’re eating, the radio station they’re fiddling with or the ringing cell phone on the dash than looking out for pedestrians.
If You’ve Been in an Accident
If you’ve been the victim of a pedestrian-car accident, you likely have serious, even life-threatening injuries which can takes months or even years to completely heal. Vehicles are required to yield the right-of-way to pedestrians in a crosswalk, and those who ignore this law can face fine or prosecution if their negligence resulting in pedestrian injuries. It is important that you contact a personal injury attorney who has experience dealing with pedestrian accidents so you will have an advocate in your corner who will look out for your well-being. You need to be focused on getting better and getting your life back on track, and your attorney can focus on getting you the compensation you need to do so. You need help for your medical bills and your lost wages, so don’t delay in calling an attorney.
Call and speak with an experienced Mississippi personal injury lawyer from Barrett Law, PLLC. Be sure to visit our web blog for more helpful information about your case or call us for a free consultation to answer your important questions.
The attorneys at Barrett Law, PLLC serve people throughout Mississippi including: North Mississippi, Jackson, Hattiesburg, and the Mississippi Gulf Coast.