Accidents involving pedestrians are on the rise all over the United States today. According to the Center For Disease Control or CDC, 4,735 pedestrians died in accidents in 2013 alone. 150,000 people were treated in the same year for non-fatal pedestrian accident injuries. Unfortunately, many of these pedestrian accidents are preventable. The following are some tips for pedestrian safety that everyone can use.
Know Your Risk!
While anyone can be involved in a pedestrian accident, some are more likely to be hurt than others. Statistics compiled by the CDC have shown that:
• Alcohol Is A Factor In 34 Percent Of All Pedestrian Accidents
• Men Are More Likely To Die In A Pedestrian Accident Than Women
• Pedestrian Deaths Go Up As We Age
• Teenagers Are Most Likely To Be Treated In The Emergency Room After A Pedestrian Accident
• Most Serious Or Fatal Pedestrian Accidents Occur At Night
Tips For Safety
Walking is a good form of exercise and also lessens the imprint on the environment. Before you leave, it is a good idea to take a few minutes to be sure you are safe. Some things that can increase your safety level are:
• Wearing Bright Colors
• Put On Reflective Clothing If Walking At Night
• Carry A Flashlight At Night To Increase Your Visibility
• Cross Only At Crosswalks If Possible
• Do Not Use Mobile Devices That Can Distract You While Walking
• Cross At Intersections If A Crosswalk Is Not Available
• Walk On The Sidewalk Instead Of The Shoulder Of The Road
Children walking to school are also at an increased risk of being involved in a pedestrian accident. It is important to walk with your child if possible. If you cannot, teach them where to walk and how to safely cross the road. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration provides information on Safe Routes To Schools online.
What To Do If You Have Been Injured
If you have been hit by a vehicle while walking, you may be able to obtain compensation through a personal injury lawsuit. However, not every pedestrian accident will qualify. In order to obtain a monetary settlement for your injuries, you must be able to prove the driver was negligent and caused the accident that injured you. Some things that may indicate driver negligence are:
• Driving While Intoxicated
• Speeding
• Driving Recklessly Or Aggressively
• Driving While Distracted
Contact a personal injury attorney in Rhode Island today to discuss your legal options. Having a Providence personal injury attorney guide you through the legal process may help you obtain a fair settlement for your injuries.
