- September 3, 2015
Although deaths from pedestrian traffic accidents have decreased over the last 40 years, injuries from these types of accidents have increased in recent years. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety reports that there were roughly 66,000 pedestrian injuries due to car accidents in 2013, which is a roughly 20% increase from 2009.With this in mind, it is important for drivers to take precautions when driving, especially in places where pedestrians are common. Follow these tips to keep yourself, your passengers, and pedestrians safe:
Take extra precaution in school zones, neighborhoods, and park areas: Children are more likely to be present in these areas, so use caution when driving and do not exceed speed limits. If you see a school bus with a stop sign extended, you must stop by law and for good reason. Children are not as cautious as adults and may dart into the road!
- Slow down and stop at crosswalks: When you see a crosswalk coming up, prepare to stop. Pedestrians have the right of way, even if they do not have the walk sign lit up. If it is hard to see the sidewalks or corners, or the lighting is bad due to it being evening or bad weather, come to a complete stop.
- Be aware when backing out of your driveway: This is a daily occurrence for most, which can become deadly if you don’t pay attention and a person is walking behind your car as you back out. Be sure to back out of your driveway slowly, and always look for people on the sidewalk first.
- Be cautious in parking lots: This is one place that visibility is greatly reduced due to bad lighting, tight spaces, and sharp turns. Drive slowly in parking lots and garages, and yield around corners to avoid close calls with pedestrians.
- Put away cell phones and avoid inside-the-car distractions: Car accidents involving cell phone usage are becoming more common with the massive use of technology in our daily lives. These types of accidents can be fatal to pedestrians who do not realize they are facing a distracted driver in the intersection. It is also a good practice to avoid tinkering with heat and air conditioning and the radio while in motion.
- Driver slower in bad driving conditions: If it is dark outside, or the weather is bad—whether that may be a setting sun, snow, rain, or hail—driver slower and more carefully. If these types of conditions are present, it will be harder for you to see pedestrians and pedestrians to see you.
- Never drive under the influence: Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol may not only leave you with fines and jail time, but it is too often the cause of pedestrian deaths. If you are intoxicated, have a friend or taxi take you home.
- Print out the Michigan Be Safe, Be Seen guide to keep important and helpful tips at your fingertips.
Pedestrian traffic accidents can be some of the worst accidents out there. Injuries from these types of accident can range from mild, such as bruises and sprains, to extreme, such as paralysis and brain injuries, to even wrongful death. If you or your loved one has been involved in a pedestrian-car accident it is important to speak to an attorney to learn about your rights and what compensation you may be entitled to from your insurance company.
As a leader in car and pedestrian accidents in the metro Detroit area, Goodman Acker P.C. can help you through the confusing and sometimes complex legal process. Call today for a free, no-obligation case review by our top-rated lawyers. We understand this may be a very traumatic time for you and your family. Put us to work and let us help you understand your rights and get the compensation and justice you deserve.