Preventing Pedestrian Accidents

 Posted on December 00, 0000 in Car Accidents

A pedestrian is considered a person who is not utilizing a motor vehicle. People go to the streets on foot to get to a destination or even to get exercise in the form of a walk or run. Despite safety precautions from motorists, over 5,000 pedestrians were killed during an auto accident in 2015 according to the Centers for Disease Control and Protection. Even more pedestrians were injured, so in the case of an auto accident with a pedestrian, who is responsible?

It is important for drivers and pedestrians to be mindful of each other. Here are steps each party can take to lower their chances of getting into a potentially fatal accident.

Vehicles

• Obey the speed limit - 30mph speed limits are not there to annoy, but to keep everyone safe. The road may be unsafe to drive at higher speeds, or the low-speed limit may be there because the area is residential or there is a school. A slower speed gives you a higher reaction time if a child suddenly crosses the road.
• Eliminate distractions - If you are texting or trying to change the radio station, your full attention is not on driving. A pedestrian may be at a crosswalk with a safe amount to get across, but not slowing down because you are focused on something else could put them in danger.

Pedestrians

• Follow Signs and Traffic Lights - There are many things put on the road to make us aware of circumstances, or give directions. If a sidewalk is closed, there may be a sign that says to cross the street to continue in the designated direction. Not following that sign may feel more convenient, but walking in the road, especially in a construction zone, puts you and drivers at risk.
• Pay Attention - We are taught to look both ways before crossing the street as children for good reason. Not every intersection has a stop sign, and drivers may not see you come around the corner to cross the street. If you see the car first, you will know whether it is safe to cross.

Contact an Orland Park, Illinois Personal Injury Attorney

Everyone should be responsible on the road, but still, sometimes an accident is the fault of multiple parties. A driver may claim you are at fault for an accident, but if it was the driver who was negligent, you may be eligible for compensation. Contact an experienced Illinois pedestrian accident attorney at The Law Offices of Khaled Issa for the next steps after being injured by a vehicle. Set up a free consultation by calling our office at 708-966-2408.

Source: http://www.idot.illinois.gov/Assets/uploads/files/Transportation-System/Resources/Safety/Crash-Reports/crash-facts/2015%20Crash%20Facts%20with%20cover.pdf