Pedestrian Safety: Ways to make yourself more noticeable to prevent accidents

While we live in a car-centric society, many of us chose walking as our primary transportation. With this being the case, there are times that we are unable to walk in ideal conditions. If we were able to walk on bright sunny days the majority of the time, there would be a great reduction in pedestrian-related accidents.

Unfortunately, along with those sunny days we also have to walk at night as well as during adverse weather conditions. The key to avoiding pedestrian accidents is to keep yourself visible to the passing motorists. This can be a challenge at night or during inclement weather like storms, heavy fog or snow. You must also make sure drivers are aware of your presence before crossing the street, regardless of the time of day or weather condition.

Safety Tips for Pedestrians

The list below includes some excellent tips you should follow to ensure your maximum visibility to the motorists you share the road with. Just as they are responsible for their driving attentiveness, you are equally responsible for your walking attentiveness. 

• While it's not always possible, avoid walking during nighttime hours. Pedestrian/vehicle confrontations after dark make up the bulk of fatal and non-fatal pedestrian related accidents.
• If walking at night, always wear bright and/or light clothing. Wearing dark clothes at night masks your appearance and may make it difficult or impossible for oncoming traffic to see you. If possible, wear reflective clothing, accents, or tape for increased visibility. The addition of reflectors on your joints (elbows or knees) is an excellent way to announce your presence to nighttime traffic by creating bio-motion, which is an extremely effective way to be seen in the dark. Another option is to have a flashlight on hand for night walks. Crossing the street in well-lit areas and marked crosswalks also improves your visibility.
• If walking in adverse weather conditions, the suggestions for nighttime walking apply for the most part. If walking in the rain or snow, wearing a bright colored rain jacket or poncho will make you much more visible to motorists. 
• You should always walk facing oncoming traffic (to your right). Try to make eye contact with the motorists you share the road with, as this is an excellent way for them to acknowledge your presence.
• While not always possible, stay on sidewalks and cross the street in marked crosswalks if you can. Also, try to avoid roadside shrubbery, parked vehicles, and other obstacles not only when walking, but when attempting to cross the street. A motorist may be paying attention to these items and not acknowledging you or your street crossing intentions.
• If you have children with you, always ensure that they are also easily seen by passing motorists. If you are walking in the direction of oncoming traffic (with the traffic being on your right) have your child(ren) on your left, and vice-versa. Never hide their presence by having them behind you when walking.

One, if not all of these tips used in conjunction may save your life.

If you or a loved one has been injured as a result of a pedestrian safety issue, contact the lawyers at Sweeney Law Firm to learn your legal rights and see if you have a case. There is no cost or obligation for us to evaluate your case. The Sweeney Law Firm works on a contingency fee basis. There is never a fee unless a recovery is made for you.