Whether walking to or from your car, dropping off a friend, or heading over to your favorite store for a quick errand – there is no way to avoid being a pedestrian at certain times.
If you or a family member has been injured in a pedestrian accident in Atlanta due to negligence, you should contact our Atlanta car accident lawyers for free case consultation and review. We will thoroughly investigate your claim to determine which party is at fault for the accident and discuss any legal options available to you.
We are ready to help you recover the compensation you deserve for your pain, suffering, and economic losses resulting from the incident. Contact us today at (470) 323-8779 or complete our online form to get started.
The number of pedestrian fatalities has remained high in the United States over the last decade. Most of these accidents have resulted from either careless or reckless driving or being hit by a driver exceeding the speed limit. Even when pedestrians follow traffic laws, there is no guarantee that they are safe on busy city streets or highways. Below is a list of some essential rules and tips everyone should follow when walking through the streets of Atlanta.
Walk Facing Traffic
If you find yourself walking along a busy street without a sidewalk, knowing which side of the road you should walk on is essential to minimize your chances of being struck by oncoming traffic.
Walking against traffic may seem counterintuitive because you have to focus on approaching cars in your peripheral vision rather than watching for them through your direct line of sight as you walk with traffic. But there is a greater likelihood that drivers will spot you before making a right turn and striking you when walking against the traffic flow.
Cross Safely
Be sure to look both ways before crossing any street. Cross the street only when you have the crossing light, and always be aware of your surroundings. At intersections controlled by traffic lights, green means stop. The car may have a green light to turn and won’t expect you to be in the crosswalk, so make sure they see you before entering.
A vehicle versus pedestrian/biker interaction will almost always result in the pedestrian being hurt or killed. Avoid jaywalking! It can be tempting to run across any street simply to save time. But that is not only a safety hazard; it can also result in getting a ticket. Even if you follow all the rules posted at an intersection, a driver may not notice you and turn into your path.
When you’re walking, your eyes should be facing where you’re going. Don’t let your head dart from side to side—that’s distracting and can be dangerous, especially if you lose your balance after misjudging a curb. Make eye contact with anyone who may cross your path or turn into the street mid-block. Stay alert to car doors opening – always look to the left before passing any parked car.
Be Visible
Being visible is one of the most crucial aspects of nighttime walking. When you step outside at night, drivers might even be more distracted than usual. That’s why you need to make sure that drivers can see you at all times. A reflective vest will help you overcome the darkness outside and allow drivers to spot you more easily. Similarly, wearing bright clothing for daytime walking is also helpful in improving your visibility.
Be Predictable
Be predictable as a pedestrian so that motorists can anticipate your movements. Keep alert at all times. Don’t be distracted by electronic devices that take your eyes and ears off the road. Listen for cars when approaching an intersection, even if the light is green, especially if turning left in front of oncoming traffic. Always look both ways before entering any roadway!
Don’t Be Distracted
Distracted walking is when you’re walking while engaging in distracting activities such as texting, talking on a cell phone, or listening to headphones. This can be dangerous as your situational awareness is compromised, and you are more likely to miss obstacles like uneven pavement, potholes, and other walkers or bikers.
Tips for Drivers for the Safety of Pedestrians
- Drivers must pay attention to their surroundings and the potential for pedestrians to avoid crashes:
- Look out for the elderly, small children, and people with disabilities.
- Expect that a pedestrian may step into the street from between parked cars or from behind an object at any time.
- Yield to pedestrians crossing your lane within a crosswalk or an intersection.
- Slow down and be prepared to stop when turning or otherwise entering a crosswalk.
- Stop entirely for pedestrians at all marked crosswalks, whether marked with lines on the pavement or not.
- Never pass vehicles stopped at a crosswalk – they have ceased to yield right of way to pedestrians crossing the road.
- Do not block crosswalks when traffic signals stop or wait to make turns, forcing pedestrians to go around you. This is dangerous and illegal in most states.
- Be alert for children playing and gathering near roadways, school zones, parks, playgrounds, and neighborhoods.
- Be especially cautious when backing up – pedestrians can move into your path.
Contact a Knowledgeable Atlanta Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Today
At the CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm, we have extensive experience representing victims of pedestrian accidents. Our law firm has successfully represented many clients who have sustained severe injuries after a car or truck struck them while they were on foot. We understand how complex these cases can be, and we will do everything possible to protect your rights to compensation after an accident.
Because we believe that every client deserves excellent representation regardless of their financial situation, we operate on a contingency fee basis only. We will not charge you for our services unless we recover compensation for your claim. Contact our office today at (470) 323-8779 to discuss your legal options with one of our experienced personal injury and accident attorneys or fill out our online form.
