You will always need to be on the defense as a car driver. There are a lot of things that you must watch out for when driving, such as the signs on the road, the weather conditions, and the pedestrians that are near the road. Pedestrian accidents are on the rise and can often result in horrible injuries. Here are some ways that you can avoid pedestrian accidents as a driver.
Slow Down When You See Pedestrians
Any time you are driving and see a pedestrian make sure to slow down. Going too fast is a common reason for pedestrian accidents. The faster you drive, the harder it is to react in time to avoid an accident. Slowing down in areas where you expect to see more people can make a big difference in how well you can react and help prevent an unfortunate car accident.
Always Stop at Crosswalks to Prevent Pedestrian Accidents
When it comes to a crosswalk, it is the responsibility of the driver to stop. Most people assume that crosswalks are marked with a solid yellow or white line or flashing lights. However, this is not always true. Only a few crosswalks are marked in each spot, but a crosswalk will technically be at every intersection where the streets meet at right angles. Even if they do not have the lines you expect, these are considered crosswalks, and pedestrians will have the right of way.
So, if you are driving along and notice that pedestrians are looking to cross, it is your job to let them cross without speeding up or trying to beat them across. Ignoring these crosswalks often leads to some severe issues with pedestrian accidents.
Be Patient with Older Pedestrians
Sometimes it can be frustrating to wait behind an elderly pedestrian when they are trying to cross the street. They will often need some more time to get across, and waiting until they get completely across is essential. Sometimes, these pedestrians may need more time to cross than the light allows. Some aggressive, anxious, and impatient drivers will fail to give these pedestrians the right amount of time to cross, which can cause a car accident.
Be Careful Around Any Area Where a Child May Be Present
When it comes to younger children, the rules of the road are not always going to be followed. Many young kids will run out after a toy that goes on the road or not pay attention when crossing the street. It is your job as the driver to be watching out for these situations. If you are near a park, a school, or another area where children are often present, you are expected to drive cautiously and watch what is going on. Kids will not react like you expect other pedestrians, and if you are not careful, you can quickly get into a pedestrian accident.
Never Drink and Drive
Drinking and driving is never a good idea. This can impair your vision, slow your reaction time, and make driving hard. When you drink and drive, you end up making it more likely that you will hit someone or something else. If you have been out with friends and drinking, consider taking a cab home to avoid problems.
Do Not Block a Sidewalk or a Crosswalk
Many drivers forget that the sidewalk is for pedestrians, not for their cars. When a pedestrian has to walk around your car, it puts them in danger. They may walk close to or in front of vehicles on the street to get to their destination. Also, if you are parked in the crosswalk, the pedestrian may have to walk around you in the way of oncoming traffic to get around. Make sure not to park on crosswalks or sidewalks when it is time to park.
It is always best to avoid pedestrian accidents. However, it is important to seek legal advice if you are in a pedestrian accident with your car. Our team will be able to help you determine who was at fault for the accident and by how much, and we can put together a case that holds your best interests. Contact us today to start your consultation.