The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported that 6,516 pedestrians were killed, and an estimated 55,000 pedestrians were injured nationwide in pedestrian accidents in 2020. On average, one pedestrian was killed every 81 minutes in traffic crashes in 2020, according to the NHTSA.
A car striking a pedestrian can be traumatic. If pedestrians and motorists understand some of the reasons these accidents happen, they can help to prevent them.
How To Reduce Accidents as a Pedestrian
According to the NHTSA, pedestrians can help to reduce the number of pedestrian accidents by following safety tips including:
- Follow the rules of the road. Obey signs and signals.
- Walk on sidewalks whenever they are available. If there is no sidewalk, walk facing traffic and as far from traffic as you can.
- Don’t “jaywalk.” Cross streets at crosswalks or intersections. Look for cars in all directions, including those turning left or right.
- If a crosswalk or intersection is not available, locate a well-lit area where you have the best view of traffic and wait for a gap in traffic that allows enough time to cross safely.
- Watch for cars entering or exiting driveways or backing up.
- Avoid alcohol and drugs that can impair your judgment when walking.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shared a couple more pedestrian safety tips that may help reduce risk, including increasing visibility when walking at night (such as carrying a flashlight) and avoiding electronic distractions (such as a cellphone or earbuds).
New York pedestrians are entitled to certain rights, and owe certain “duties,” or legal responsibilities to others. Many of these rights and duties are contained in Article 27 of the New York Vehicle and Traffic Law.
New York pedestrians who follow the rules of the road, including those pertaining to right of way, can help to reduce the number of pedestrian-strike accidents.
How To Keep Pedestrians Safe as a Driver
Drivers must also follow the rules of the road and be on the lookout for pedestrians. It’s important to remember that children, teens, the elderly, or people with disabilities may be less predictable and may need more time to cross streets and intersections.
Here are some recommended safety tips by the NHTSA:
- Always be on the lookout for pedestrians.
- Use extra caution when driving in hard-to-see conditions (e.g., nighttime or bad weather).
- Slow down and be prepared to stop when turning or entering a crosswalk.
- Yield to pedestrians in crosswalks.
- Never drive under the influence of alcohol and drugs.
- Follow the speed limit.
- Be extra cautious when backing up and look for pedestrians.
All drivers are required to use care to avoid hitting pedestrians, regardless of who has the right of way. If a pedestrian is there to be seen, the driver is obligated to react and drive accordingly.
Hurt in a Pedestrian Accident? Call William Mattar
If you were involved in a pedestrian accident, William Mattar, P.C. may be able to help. Our attorneys have helped thousands of injury victims and know that when there are serious injuries, immediate action should be taken. At William Mattar P.C., we are here to help injured pedestrians 24 hours a day. Give us a call, at (844) 444 - 4444, or fill out our free initial consultation form.