How to Prevent Pedestrian Accidents in Illinois

 Posted on March 29, 2019 in Blog Post

At some point during the day, everyone is a pedestrian. If you are not in your vehicle and you are walking, you are a pedestrian. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a pedestrian includes anyone who is walking, running, jogging, sitting or lying down. Being a pedestrian involved in a traffic accident can be extremely dangerous. Serious and sometimes even fatal injuries can occur when vehicles hit pedestrians. The NHTSA has reported that there were nearly 6,000 pedestrians that died in fatal traffic crashes in 2016. Fortunately, there are things that both drivers and pedestrians can do to reduce the number of pedestrian accidents.

Safety Tips for Drivers

Many times, it is not the pedestrian’s fault that an accident occurred -- most of the fault is placed on the driver. Here are a few tips to help drivers prevent pedestrian accidents:

• Keep your eyes on the road at all time. Pedestrians do not always act predictably, but you should always be on the lookout for pedestrians, especially in densely populated areas;
• Always yield to pedestrians, no matter if they are in a crosswalk or not. Pedestrians always have the right of way, so you should always allow them to cross the road;
• If weather conditions are bad, be extra cautious. If it is difficult for you to see other vehicles, it will also probably be difficult for you to see pedestrians;
• Always follow the speed limit. Speed limits are posted for a reason -- to keep people safe. If you are speeding and you get into an accident, you could get into trouble.

Safety Tips for Pedestrians

The responsibility for preventing pedestrian accidents is not always on the drivers. Here are ways pedestrians can do their part to prevent pedestrian accidents:

• Always be predictable. When you can, always use crosswalks to cross the street -- this is where drivers will expect you to cross. If there is no crosswalk available, wait until the traffic is clear and you have enough time to cross;
• Never assume that a driver can see you. You are small compared to other vehicles and drivers may not register you in their field of vision;
• Do not let your cell phone or other electronic devices distract you while you are driving. You should be aware of your surroundings at all times; and
• Always use sidewalks when they are available. If there is no sidewalk available, walk facing traffic.

A Des Plaines, IL Pedestrian Accident Injury Attorney Can Help

Walking has become a popular form of transportation in recent years, but it is also dangerous. Nothing good can come from a 4,000-pound car going 25 miles per hour hitting a 150-pound pedestrian. If you or a loved one has been a victim of a pedestrian accident, you need help from a skilled Park Ridge, IL pedestrian accident injury lawyer. At the Quinn Law Group, LLC, we can help you recover compensation for your medical bills, lost wages and even pain and suffering. Call our office today at 847-232-7180 to schedule a free consultation.

Sources:

https://crashstats.nhtsa.dot.gov/Api/Public/ViewPublication/812493

https://www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.dot.gov/files/811785.pdf