Pedestrians are especially vulnerable on the roadways if they are struck by a negligent driver. Because they lack the protection of a motor vehicle, they can suffer extensive head and other types of serious injuries when they are hit. Drivers should do all they can to ensure pedestrian safety.
Making pedestrian safety a priority
Drivers should make pedestrian safety a priority. They can do this by following several important safe driving practices to help avoid pedestrian accidents. Safe driving tips for drivers include:
- Drivers should be on the lookout for pedestrians everywhere and at all times.
- Drivers should use additional caution in hard-to-see conditions and areas such as nighttime and poor weather.
- Drivers should slow down and prepare to stop when entering crosswalks or making turns.
- Drivers should yield to pedestrians at crosswalks and stop in advance of crosswalks to allow other vehicles to see pedestrians around them.
- Drivers should never pass vehicles that are stopped at crosswalks because there may be pedestrians they do not see.
- Drivers should never drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- Drivers should follow posted speed limits, especially in neighborhoods, where children are present, in school zones and on heavily pedestrian-trafficked streets.
- Drivers should use extra caution when backing up and look for pedestrians around and behind them.
Negligent drivers who fail to exercise caution to help keep pedestrians safe should know that they may be liable for damages to pedestrian accident victims as a result.
Equally important is for pedestrian victims to know that they may be protected by personal injury legal protections when a negligent driver has harmed them. They may be able to seek compensation for their physical, financial and emotional damages through a personal injury claim for damages.