5 Safety Tips for Avoiding an Accident as an Illinois Pedestrian

 Posted on June 16, 2020 in Pedestrian & Bicycle Accidents

Pedestrians are severely injured too frequently on Illinois roadways. While this typically occurs in a city setting, stay-at-home orders have made many people more inclined to escape the confines of their home, even for a little while, by going for a walk around the block. As Illinois moves into its fourth stage of reopening, there will be many more cars on the road, which can pose a greater risk to runners, walkers, and bikers. Restaurants and stores may be reopening, but many companies still have their employees working remotely to avoid further spread of COVID-19. With an increase in cars and a consistent stream of pedestrian traffic, it is important to stay vigilant while walking to avoid suffering from life-altering injuries as a result of a serious car accident. Even if you follow the below safety tips, a reckless driver may be responsible for your pedestrian accident.

Safety First

The following tips are compiled from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Pedestrian and Bicycle Information Center to keep you safe while exercising:

1. Predictability is Key: The reaction times of drivers are not always as quick as we would like, especially if they are impaired. It is important to follow the rules of the road and avoid darting into the street or trying to quickly cross the road in between cars. This caution should always be followed, but especially during these times where many drivers may not have driven much in the past few months.

2. Avoid Dangerous Distractions: In a similar way that distracted driving can put other motorists at risk, walking without paying attention to your surroundings can be just as dangerous. If you are walking on the sidewalk with your head in your phone, you can easily trip on something and fall into the street unexpectedly or bump into another person and put him or her at risk. While electronic devices may be constant companions, avoid using them while walking, running, or biking.

3. Sober Strolls Only: Since many bars have outdoor-only seating, parking lots and streets may be filled with tipsy customers. Drivers should be especially careful when entering or leaving these parking lots or when driving near a downtown area of restaurants and bars. Regardless, it is important to sober up before making the trek home on foot. Your unpredictability while intoxicated can put you at additional risk of being hit.

4. Be Noticeable: Making yourself visible by wearing bright, reflective clothing can be your biggest protector as a pedestrian. Many pedestrian accidents are caused because of a driver’s inability to see the individual or notice him or her among other distractions. Wearing reflective clothing and bringing a flashlight is especially important at night when seeing those near the road can be impossible without additional help.

5. Always Use the Crosswalk: It can be tempting to quickly run across the road between cars to avoid standing at the light on the corner. However, following the signals is critical as a pedestrian since you have no protection from any oncoming traffic or unseen vehicles. You should be looking at every lane that you will need to cross, not just the nearest one. Even if the car closest to you slows down for you to cross, the one in the next lane may not give you the same courtesy.

Contact an Arlington Heights Personal Injury Lawyer

People suffer severe or fatal injuries after being struck by a car on a daily basis. In 2018 alone, over 6,000 pedestrians were killed in traffic accidents. Pedestrians should always be vigilant as the party with the least physical protection in the instance of an accident. However, taking additional safety precautions does not always protect you on the road if a negligent driver hits you. At Newland & Newland, LLP, we have more than 60 years of combined personal injury experience and we are dedicated to helping you secure the financial compensation that you deserve. Walking may be an inherent part of Chicago living, but being injured while doing so should not be. If you have been struck by a driver while walking, running, or biking, contact our Palatine pedestrian accident attorneys at 847-797-8000 to schedule a free consultation.

Sources:

https://www.nhtsa.gov/road-safety/pedestrian-safety

http://www.pedbikeinfo.org/resources/resources_details.cfm?id=5167