Pedestrian Safety: Some Tips To Help You Stay Safe at Night

Pedestrian crashes are quite common in Florida. According to FLHSMV, in 2022, there were 10,198 pedestrian crashes in Florida. Pedestrian accidents can happen at any time of the day. However, research suggests that the risk of pedestrian accidents increases at night. Drunk drivers, drunk pedestrians, fatigued drivers, fatigued pedestrians, speeding, and poor visibility are just some of the factors that can contribute to pedestrian crashes at night. Whether you are taking a stroll or out to experience the nightlife, it is crucial that you know how you can stay safe. Below, we share some tips to help you stay safe at night as a pedestrian and the steps you should take if you are hurt in a pedestrian accident.

Tips To Help Pedestrians Stay Safe at Night

The following are some of the things pedestrians can do to avoid crashes at night;

• Whenever possible, walk on sidewalks. If there isn’t a sidewalk or the sidewalk is inaccessible, it is best that you walk on the shoulder of the road facing approaching vehicles.
• Avoid walking in poorly lit areas. If possible, avoid taking shortcuts through dark alleys and side streets. Walking in well-lit areas ensures drivers can see you.
• Avoid distractions while walking. For example, do not use headphones when walking at night. Also, avoid using or looking at your phone while walking. Headphones can prevent you from hearing an oncoming vehicle, and when you are on your phone, you are less likely to look before crossing the street. Also, studies show that using a phone while walking increases the time a pedestrian takes to cross the road.
• Wear bright colors. Bright colors can ensure drivers see you.
• Whenever possible, cross at crosswalks. Also, don’t step out into the street from between parked vehicles where oncoming drivers may not easily see you.
• Obey all traffic signals. Whether at a crosswalk, intersection, or any other part of the road, ensure you obey all traffic signals. Remember, traffic signals are designed to ensure your safety.
• Assume drivers cannot see you. Always walk defensively at night. This entails, among other things, waiting for a driver to come to a complete stop and making eye contact with them to ensure they have seen you before crossing.

Steps To Take if You Are Hurt in a Pedestrian Accident

After a Florida pedestrian accident, there are some steps you need to take to safeguard your health and legal rights. The following are some of these steps;

• Seek prompt medical attention. Even if you seem uninjured or you think your injuries are minor, ensure you seek prompt medical attention.
• Call the police
• Gather information from the driver, such as name, contact details, and insurance information
• Document the scene by taking pictures. However, only do this if your condition allows you to
• Contact an attorney

If a driver’s negligence is to blame for your pedestrian crash, you may have the right to file a personal injury claim against the negligent driver and recover compensation.

Legal Help Is Available

If you are involved in a pedestrian crash because of the negligence of a motorist, our West Palm Beach personal injury attorneys at The Pendas Law Firm can help you understand your legal rights.

The Pendas Law Firm also represents clients in the Fort Lauderdale, Miami, Fort Myers, Bradenton, Naples, Melbourne, Daytona Beach, Jacksonville, Tampa, Ocala, and Orlando areas.

Source:

flhsmv.gov/traffic-crash-reports/crash-dashboard/