Traffic safety is the responsibility of drivers and pedestrians alike. Unfortunately, in any pedestrian collision, the injuries tend to be severe and often fatal. There are some driving habits, though, that those behind the wheel must avoid at all times.
What are some tips motor vehicle drivers must remember when sharing the road with pedestrians?
- Minimize distractions: Drivers are often tempted to multitask to pass the time while behind the wheel. From eating breakfast and personal grooming on the way to work to making a phone call or checking email, drivers must resist the desire to take their eyes or attention away from the task at hand. Negligent or distracted drivers can cause severe collisions with devastating injuries.
- Slowly navigate parking lots and parking structures: Whether walking from their car to the store, or leaving the store to drive home, pedestrians will likely be wandering through a parking lot while drivers continue to circle. Unfortunately, pedestrians might dart out from between parked cars or cross a path without looking, leading to a deadly collision. Drivers must be aware of the potential for pedestrians at all times.
- Respect crosswalks and intersections: Whether turning through an intersection or driving across a marked crosswalk, drivers must pay special attention to pedestrians in the area. Turning right on red, for example, drivers might focus on traffic coming from the left … and miss people crossing the street on their right.
In a pedestrian collision, those walking or jogging stand to suffer serious injuries. From head injuries and spinal cord damage to crush injuries and multiple fractures, pedestrians can be hurt by the initial impact and then being driven over by the vehicle. If you or a loved one suffered an injury in a motor vehicle collision, it is wise to seek the guidance of an experienced legal professional.