Road Safety Tips for Tucson Pedestrians
While car accidents make up a significant percentage of Tucson personal injury cases, they are not restricted to vehicle-on-vehicle accidents. Pedestrians frequently sustain devastating injuries due to the negligence or recklessness of Arizona drivers. These injuries often have life-altering consequences. Alertness is the key to avoid becoming a victim of a pedestrian accident in Tucson. These other tips may help in reducing your chances of being hurt by a motorist.
Safety Tips for Walking in Tucson
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) states that on average, a pedestrian-related injury occurs every 7 minutes. Every 2 hours, a pedestrian dies due to being struck by a vehicle. Though many of these accidents take place because a driver failed to follow the rules of the road, those traveling on foot can take simple measures to minimize the odds of becoming a statistic.
1. Always Cross the Road at a Crosswalk
According to NHTSA, most pedestrian accidents take place in urban areas where there are no designated crosswalks. A person is much more likely to be struck by a fast-approaching vehicle if he chooses to cross where it is inappropriate to do so. Jaywalking is illegal because it is dangerous to cross the street where drivers are not expecting to stop for pedestrians and doing so could prompt an accident. Approximately 70% of the thousands of pedestrian deaths that take place each year take place outside of a crosswalk.
2. Walk Facing Traffic
Not all streets in Tucson facilitate pedestrian traffic with sidewalks. Walkers who must proceed through streets that have no sidewalk should walk facing traffic. Drivers are more likely to notice pedestrians when they can see their faces.
3. Get off the Phone
Just as distracted driving accidents are on the rise, distracted walking accidents continue to climb. Pedestrians glued to their smartphones often completely lose sight of the traffic around them. Distracted pedestrians are much more likely to be struck by a vehicle as they are more prone to ignoring traffic signals and are less aware of their environment. People who choose to walk busy city streets are urged to pay close attention to their surroundings.
Some other tips to consider include:
- Look to the left, right, and left again before crossing any street. You never know when an aggressive driver will run a red light.
- Make eye contact with drivers to make sure they know you are there.
- If you have to place or take an important call while walking, stop in a safe place; avoid using a phone while walking in the city.
- Never assume a car will stop to let you pass.
- Wear reflective clothing at night.
- Walk with friends as much as you can.
At Karnas Law Firm, we know that traffic in Tucson is a threat to drivers and pedestrians alike. With so many distractions available to both groups, no one is safe from harm. If you were injured due to another’s negligence or recklessness behind the wheel, you deserve justice. Our pedestrian accident attorneys strive to obtain the maximum settlement to which you are entitled following a severe accident. Call (520) 571-9700 to find out how an attorney can support your case or email us to schedule an appointment for a free consultation.