This October is the first ever National Pedestrian Safety Month. The purpose of this month is to spread awareness about the number of accidents, injuries, and wrongful deaths that affect many pedestrians each year. 2 years ago in 2019, 6,205 pedestrian deaths were reported in the United States. Michelle Anderson, the director of the Operation National Road Safety Foundation, has said that a pedestrian is killed on average every 85 minutes across the country. Anderson also said that, “in the state of Indiana, 103 pedestrians were killed, and that is a staggering 37% (increase) from 2019.” Here are some tips in order to prevent pedestrian accidents:
- Slow down and pay attention. This applies to both drivers and pedestrians. It is important for pedestrians to be aware of any potential distracted drivers and vice versa. No driver should be texting while driving. Pedestrian should be walking not running to avoid things like slip and falls and other personal injuries that may occur.
- Don’t listen to music or be on your phone while you are walking. Listening to your surroundings can be just as important as looking at them. Sometimes you can anticipate fast or aggressive drivers by certain noises that are louder than usual.
- Obey the speed limit. As a driver you may be liability for any potential pedestrian accidents. It is important to be aware of your surroundings especially when it is nighttime or there is bad weather. Those conditions can make everyone susceptible to accidents.
- Look all ways. It is not just cars that cause pedestrian accidents. Bicycle accidents can cause them too. It is important to make sure that you are not in a bike lane. Also be sure to check if any cars are located where they are not suppose to be. Sometimes a drunk driver or an Uber/Lyft will park their car in areas that are not allowed.
If you or a loved one have been affected by a pedestrian accident or death, contact an experienced personal injury attorney at Hurst Limontes, LLC. We have decades of combined experience fighting for our clients in any number of personal injury claims. Call 317-636-0808 or email us for a FREE and confidential consultation.