Pedestrian Accidents
Pedestrian accidents happen when vehicles hit pedestrians. Vehicles include cars, motorcycles, trucks, busses, trains and even bicycles. Pedestrians are almost always injured or killed in these accidents because of the speed and weight of the vehicle.
Although pedestrians almost always have the right-of-way, there are instances when they don’t. For example, pedestrians do not have the right-of-way on:
- train tracks, because train conductors can’t see you.
- undesignated crossing areas, because drivers don’t know to look for you.
- highways and freeways, as long as you are as far as you can be in the shoulder or on the side of the road or median. You only have the right-of-way if you have good reason to be there, such as a breakdown. Otherwise, you’re not supposed to be walking near the freeway.
- unlit pedestrian crossings (meaning lights are signaling pedestrians to stop and drivers to go). Pedestrians still have right-of-way; drivers must look out for pedestrians whether lights are green or red.
- designated crossing areas
- sidewalks
- bus stops
- train stops
- parking lots
- If you’re driving:
- Don’t guess whether pedestrians have the right-of-way or not, just assume they do.
- Never drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Drunk drivers cause many pedestrian injuries and deaths.
- Make sure your insurance is adequate and up-to-date. Uninsured and underinsured motorists cause more than just accidents; they cause legal battles and suffering that extends beyond the sustained injuries.
- Always keep your eyes open for pedestrians, motorcyclists, bicyclists, and children who might run into the street.
- Never speed; it decreases your stopping time and could mean you’re at fault if you injure someone else.
- If you’re walking:
- Always look both ways for traffic, even if the crossing light is telling you to walk.
- Never cross at undesignated areas.
- Never try to race trains, cars or other traffic.
- Teach your children traffic safety rules.
- Carry a flag (supplied at some cross walks), wear bright clothes, or wave your hands to increase visibility.
- When you’re on the sidewalk, walk as far from traffic as possible.