While you may not use walking as your regular way to get from one place to another, you may like to get out for a stroll now and then. Walking is a good form of exercise, and it can help you with a variety of health-related concerns you may need or want to address. Of course, walking on or near roadways does not come without risks.
You may already know that pedestrian accidents take place too often, and you certainly do not want to end up as a victim of such an event. Still, every time you step onto a sidewalk, roadway shoulder or crosswalk, you face this risk. Fortunately, you can take the time to protect yourself as best as possible.
Safety tips
Just as drivers have various actions they can take to remain safe drivers, you can also carry out certain practices to make yourself a safe pedestrian. The following tips may help you reach that status:
- Pay attention: Your cell phone can distract you while walking just as phones distract drivers. If you become distracted while walking, you could easily step out in front of a vehicle or fail to notice another hazard.
- Avoid alcohol: Another issue that can affect pedestrians and drivers alike is alcohol consumption. Walking while impaired could inhibit your reflexes and decision-making skills that would otherwise keep you safe.
- Stay visible: If a driver does not see you, you could easily end up with injuries. Therefore, wear brightly colored clothes when walking during the day, and wear reflective clothing while staying in well-lit areas at night.
- Know the rules: Pedestrians have traffic rules to follow just like drivers. If at a crosswalk, wait until you are given a “walk” signal before crossing and still make sure drivers see you before you step onto the road.
These and other actions may help you feel more comfortable about your safety while out on foot.
Accidents and injuries
Of course, you cannot predict what actions a driver will take, and even if you try your best to remain safe, you could still end up hurt due to the negligence or recklessness of a driver. If this does happen to you, you may have cause to file a personal injury claim against the driver considered at fault in order to seek compensation for your injuries and other damages permitted under Florida state law.
