Walking is a preferred mode of transportation for many who live in cities and other areas. While walking can be beneficial for one’s health and a cheap way to get around, it does come with some risks. Every year pedestrians in California are struck by vehicles, often leading to serious injuries or fatalities. Even when one is simply walking from their vehicle to a store or office, one is at risk of being injured by a vehicle. Pedestrians can prevent many accidents by following some basic safety tips.
Staying safe while walking
Pedestrians should always be aware of their surroundings and alert to what is going on around them. While walking, it’s important to obey traffic laws and to cross streets where crosswalks are available. When crossing, one should check all directions for cars, and pay special attention to vehicles that may be turning at intersections.
It’s always best to walk on sidewalks when they are available. If there are no sidewalks, one should walk as far from the road as possible in the direction facing towards traffic. Caution should be used when walking through parking lots to avoid being hit by vehicles backing out of parking spaces.
Pedestrian accidents can be serious
When a pedestrian is struck by a car, they often suffer serious injuries. These injuries may require the victim to take time away from work to recover. Accident victims often find themselves in a financial bind after a serious injury, which adds stress to an already difficult situation. Fortunately, California victims who were injured due to the negligence of another individual have the right to file a personal injury lawsuit against the person at fault for compensation for their injuries and other damages.
