As winter weather has set in for certain parts of the country, many individuals may choose the comfort of the inside of a car over walking from place to place. However, with warmer weather year-round in Florida, you may prefer to do most of your traveling via the sidewalk.
While this form of travel may come with numerous benefits, such as a means of exercise and a way to skip out on fuel costs, it also comes with a certain level of risk. With the lack of protective barriers that a vehicle may provide, accidents involving pedestrians have a much higher chance of ending in disaster.
Safety procedures for pedestrians
Chances are that you probably consider your safety to be a top priority and knowing the potential hazards you may face as a pedestrian could prove vital. You may be able to reduce the odds of a dangerous collision by adhering to safe walking procedures and traffic laws, which could include the following:
- Using caution when crossing a street: If possible, it is generally advisable to cross at an intersection, especially one with a crosswalk or traffic signal. However, you should still proceed with caution when using a crosswalk, as simply expecting a driver to yield the right-of-way could prove detrimental.
- Increasing your visibility: Finding ways to increase your visibility as a pedestrian, such as wearing bright clothing and sticking to well-lit areas at night, could go a long way in reducing the odds of an accident.
- Be aware of your surroundings: As a pedestrian, you can face obstructions that can pose a threat to your safety, and having awareness of your surroundings and proceeding with caution while walking near parked vehicles and other objects that obscure vision is advisable.
- Stay alert and focused: Distractions can prove just as dangerous for pedestrians as drivers, and staying alert while walking could help you spot a potential hazard in time to avoid it.
Unfortunately, even by practicing the utmost diligence, your safety may rest partially in the hands of others while walking near traffic. If you encounter a negligent driver, you might have little or no control over what happens next.
Where to turn for guidance
If involved in a pedestrian-related collision, you could be facing extensive medical expenses that often accompany serious injuries. If the other driver is at fault in the accident, you may wish to pursue restitution, but the process can be exceedingly complex. However, by seeking guidance from someone with experience in the area, you could find yourself in a much better position to pursue the full amount of compensation to which you are entitled through a personal injury claim.
