As the weather gets warmer, many of us will begin venturing outside more to enjoy the sunshine. A leisurely walk in the park comes with few risks, but going for a stroll in cities or towns along the roads can pose some dangers if you aren’t careful. Take a walk on the safe side with these tips for pedestrian safety that you can use all year long.
Use designated crosswalks.
Crosswalks were designed to keep pedestrians safe along streets as they navigate through high traffic areas. While it may be tempting to run across the road quickly when no cars are coming, this can be seriously dangerous. It is always recommended to find the nearest crosswalk to safely cross the street rather than taking your chances. You may be fast, but cars are much faster and may come up quicker than they appear. Additionally, jaywalking is against the law, so even if you do make it safely across the street, you may have a ticket waiting for you when you get to the other side.
Wait your turn to cross.
Crosswalks don’t magically protect you from cars, as nice as that would be. Always wait until you hear or see visual cues indicating it is your turn to go. Green lights are for cars, not people, so make sure you are paying attention to the right signs and signals to avoid getting hurt in the crosswalk. Many crosswalks also have countdown timers that show how much time you have to cross the street. While 10 or 15 seconds may seem like a lot, it often goes fast, so make sure not to take your time crossing to avoid being caught in the road when the lights turn green again.
Never assume you have the right of way.
Pedestrians have the right of way in many circumstances since they are the most vulnerable on the road. However, it is still a good idea to check your surroundings and be sure that it is safe to go. This is especially important with crossing where a driver may be turning right on a red light, since they may not see you on the corner. With potential blind spots or simply bad driving, it is common for drivers to miss pedestrians preparing to cross. Even when you are certain it is your turn to go, it is always best to check before stepping out into the street.
Stay sober on the streets.
For some folks, a drink on a hot summer day and a walk to cool off may be just what they are looking for. But drinking comes with many risks, including lowered awareness. Rather than walking home from the bar or a neighbor’s house, get a ride so you can avoid a potentially dangerous situation. Additionally, being intoxicated in public is against the law, so walking while under the influence could result in a citation. To protect yourself and your wallet, it is best to catch a ride home.
Walking is a great way to get in some exercise or clear your mind after a long day. Just be sure wherever you walk, you are mindful of your surroundings and pay close attention to others so you can always get home safely. If you have recently experienced an injury as a pedestrian, you are not alone. Hohaia Law is available to help support you in your personal injury claim and ensure you can get the payout you deserve. Talk to Kia today to learn more.
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