How to Prevent a Winter Pedestrian Accident

 Posted on December 00, 0000 in Car Accidents

We are at the end of November, and we may have some snow in the Chicago and Cook County areas in the upcoming months. During the winter, there are far too many people who do not plan ahead and therefore end up in the hospital after a bad encounter with ice on the roads.  Pedestrian accidents often occur when roads are treacherous, and cars are unable to stop on the ice. Considering all of this, it is best to prepare for the colder and snowier months, and here are some ways to keep yourself safe and away from the emergency room because of an accident.

Wear Appropriate Clothes

To prevent any slip and fall accidents due to icy sidewalks, it is best to wear proper footwear and clothes that can be easily seen. Invest in shoes with heavy treading and flat bottoms, so that the whole foot is on the ground’s surface. When snow is bad, sunglasses and bright clothing are appropriate. People driving cars will be more likely to see pedestrians who wear bright clothes and therefore prevent a car accident involving pedestrians.

Predict and Prepare

What looks like wet pavement may actually be black ice, which is very dangerous. In the early morning hours, black ice is likely to appear. It is more difficult for cars to quickly stop on black ice, so they need to take extra precaution. For pedestrians, it is important to keep aware of surroundings in the event of a car that cannot stop in time. This means conscientiously walking on icy roads, sidewalks, and parking lots.

Both Cars and Pedestrians Need to Be Careful

Even though as little as half an inch of snow may fall on the ground, there may be big problems on the roadways for both cars and pedestrians. To avoid a pedestrian accident, drivers should be aware of their surroundings and reduce their speed to keep a safe distance from other vehicles and pedestrians. Slamming on the car brakes is not good when the roads are icy because the car may spin out and cause even more problems than before.

Contact an Orland Park Pedestrian Injury Lawyer

Any accident involving pedestrians can be very serious, so it is best to prepare for any massive weather changes. If you or a loved one has been involved in a pedestrian accident due to the weather, Issa Law, LLC is ready to get started on your case. Attorney Khaled Issa has over 10 years of experience in the personal injury practice, so you are guaranteed experienced and skilled legal representation. For a free consultation, please call a Cook County personal injury attorney at 708-966-2408 to get the help you deserve.

Sources:

https://wtop.com/weather-news/2013/12/winter-weather-safety-tips-for-walking-in-snow-and-ice/

http://abc7chicago.com/weather/chicago-weather-slick-roads-cause-several-crashes-spinouts/1166403/