Pedestrian Safety
With the weather warming up, you may start seeing more and more people enjoying nice walks outside. Some people tend to walk around their neighborhoods where there is less traffic, but some people walk on busy streets where it is more risky. A pedestrian is killed every 96 minutes from a traffic related accident. With an average of 5,000 deaths per year, it is important to know some safety tips when you are the pedestrian or you are driving near one.
As a pedestrian, you have the right-of-way when walking on a crosswalk in the road. In Alabama, vehicles must yield right-of-way to pedestrians within a crosswalk that are in the same half of the roadway as the vehicle, or when a pedestrian is approaching closely enough from the opposite side of the roadway to constitute a danger. Also, if a traffic control device such as “Walk” or “Don’t Walk” sign is in operation, pedestrians may only cross between two adjacent intersections in a marked crosswalk and may only cross an intersection diagonally if authorized by a traffic control device.
Pedestrians need to avoid entering a crosswalk in which vehicles of either direction are in close proximity. They must also yield the right-of-way to vehicles when crossing outside of a marked crosswalk or an unmarked crosswalk at an intersection. It is always important to stay alert and pay attention to your surroundings at all times.
If you are the driver and see a pedestrian, it is important that you are not trying to speed around them. Make sure you are always paying attention while driving and drive the speed limit to take down the risk of hitting someone. When approaching a pedestrian, reduce your speed until you have safely driven past them. They have the right of way, so you want to make sure you are being safe around them.
If you are a pedestrian that has been struck by a vehicle, make sure to seek medical attention immediately. A large vehicle can do a lot of damage to someone. Be sure to them call authorities and make sure an accident report is done. It is so important to make sure everything is documented. Then, speak with a personal injury attorney to see how they are able to help you.
If you are a victim of a pedestrian accident or have any further questions, you can call us anytime at 251-300-2000. You can also stop by our office at 51 North Florida Street in Mobile, AL or by our office in the Forbes building at 1914 4th Ave North Suite 110 in Birmingham, AL. You never need an appointment.
