In 2022, 7,522 pedestrians died in accidents. That’s 18% of all crash deaths, which is a 40-year high. There are many reasons why pedestrians are vulnerable on our roads and sidewalks, so let’s look at how to prevent pedestrian accidents.
Look Out for Pedestrians
Drivers need to be extra vigilant when driving in areas with a lot of pedestrian traffic. Scan the sides of the road, crosswalks, medians, and sidewalks for people potentially entering the roadway. Drive slowly and be prepared to stop suddenly if someone darts out in front of you. Never pass vehicles stopped at crosswalks – they may be stopped for pedestrians.
Give Pedestrians the Right of Way
Always yield to pedestrians in crosswalks or when they have a walk signal. Do not try to rush through the intersection first – wait for them to fully cross. Be aware that many signals give pedestrians a few seconds head start before the light turns green for vehicles. Do not begin driving until the pedestrians have cleared the intersection. Also, yield to pedestrians when you are turning at intersections or into and out of driveways. Assume they have the right of way.
Slow Down in Pedestrian Zones
Reduce your speed significantly in areas with high pedestrian volumes, such as school zones, downtown districts, and residential neighborhoods. The slower you drive, the more time you give yourself to react to unexpected pedestrian movements. Come to a complete stop when pedestrians are crossing at intersections and crosswalks. Avoid distractions like cell phones when driving in pedestrian-heavy areas.
Use Crosswalks and Signals Properly
Pedestrians need to take responsibility for their safety as well. Always use crosswalks when available, obey walk signals, and check for oncoming traffic before crossing. Make eye contact with drivers before stepping into the intersection to ensure they see you and will stop. Avoid crossing between parked cars or in other places where your view is obstructed.
Be Visible
Wear bright clothing during the day and reflective materials at night to increase your visibility. Carry a flashlight or wear a headlamp when walking in low light or dark conditions. Avoid walking at night if possible. If you must, stick to well-lit areas with sidewalks.
Avoid Unsafe Behaviors
Do not dart out suddenly into traffic without looking. Never assume vehicles will stop for you – make eye contact first before stepping into the road. Avoid walking under the influence of alcohol or drugs which slow reaction times. Do not wear headphones or look down at your phone when crossing streets – you need to hear and see traffic.
Follow Traffic Signals
Both drivers and pedestrians need to obey all traffic lights, signs, and signals. Do not cross on red lights or during “Don’t Walk” signals. Only begin crossing on green lights and “Walk” signals after looking both ways. Drivers must come to a complete stop at red lights and stop signs and allow pedestrians to clear crosswalks first.
Eliminate Distractions
Drivers should avoid distractions like cell phones, eating, or loud music when driving. Keep your eyes on the road and hands on the wheel at all times. Pedestrians also need to avoid distractions like phones when near traffic. Stay alert to your surroundings.
Be Cautious at Intersections
Most pedestrian-vehicle collisions happen at intersections. Pedestrians should be extra vigilant when crossing, only crossing when they have the walk signal. Make eye contact with drivers before entering the intersection to ensure they see you and will stop. Drivers need to look carefully for pedestrians on both sides when making turns at intersections. Watch for people emerging from between parked cars.
Implement Traffic Calming Measures
Cities can take steps to slow traffic and make roads safer for pedestrians. Measures like speed bumps, narrowed lanes, pedestrian islands, and extended curbs force drivers to reduce speeds. Improved lighting, crosswalk signals, and sidewalks also help protect pedestrians.
Educate the Public
Schools and local governments should educate both drivers and pedestrians about traffic laws, rights of way, and safely sharing the road. Teach children proper walking skills and pedestrian safety behaviors from an early age. Send regular reminders to the public through campaigns, flyers, social media, and other outreach. The more everyone understands risks and responsibilities, the safer the streets will be.
Enforce Traffic Laws
Police need to actively enforce speed limits, rights of way, and other traffic laws meant to protect pedestrians. Issue warnings and citations to drivers who do not yield to pedestrians at crosswalks or who speed through neighborhoods and school zones. Penalties for hitting a pedestrian while speeding or distracted driving should also be severe. Strict enforcement reminds drivers to be alert and obey the law.
Design Roads for Pedestrian Safety
Urban planners need to design roads and neighborhoods with pedestrian safety as a priority. Wider sidewalks, pedestrian refuge islands, bike lanes, traffic calming features, and well-marked crosswalks all help protect people on foot. New developments should be designed to encourage walking and mass transit over automobile traffic. Retrofitting existing roads with pedestrian safety features also helps reduce accidents.
Promote Public Transit
Expanding access to efficient and affordable public transportation reduces dependence on automobiles. With fewer cars on the road, pedestrian risk goes down. Prioritize funding for transit, add bus and rail routes to serve more areas, provide paratransit for disabled riders, and make fares affordable. Better transit benefits pedestrians and the whole community.
Create Car-Free Zones
Designating certain busy urban areas pedestrian-only zones eliminates car traffic and pedestrian injuries in those areas. Popular shopping districts, tourist attractions, parks, and other destinations can become walking zones. Cities can close off streets to create pedestrian plazas and promenades. Events like open streets festivals also promote car-free spaces.
Work with a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
If you are injured as a pedestrian in an accident, consult a pedestrian accident lawyer Los Angeles who specializes in pedestrian accidents. A Los Angeles pedestrian accident lawyer from Karns & Karns Personal Injury and Accident Attorneys can help you understand your legal rights and options to recover damages. Karns & Karns Personal Injury and Accident Attorneys is a top personal injury law firm and our accident injury lawyers will investigate the accident, gather evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and represent you in court if needed.
Having a knowledgeable pedestrian accident attorney on your side levels the playing field and ensures the at-fault driver is held accountable. With legal counsel, pedestrians have the best chance of getting full and fair compensation for their injuries.
Call 800-4THE-WIN (800-484-3946) to speak to a personal injury accident lawyer from Karns & Karns Personal Injury and Accident Attorneys today.
