Many people choose to jog and walk for exercise, often in the early morning hours before work or in the evenings. Dawn and dusk are low-light periods that make it difficult for drivers to see obstacles in the road, even pedestrians. If you plan to walk or jog during low light hours or at night, it is important to take extra precautions to keep yourself safe from careless or reckless drivers.
Preventing Pedestrian Accidents
Motorists have a basic responsibility to drive safely and keep an eye out for pedestrians, especially in residential areas. However, accidents are often caused by drivers who fail to notice pedestrians who are crossing the road or walking along the side of the street. To help prevent accidents, pedestrians should:
- Wear bright or reflective clothing and carry a light source
- Use sidewalks whenever possible
- Choose smaller, pedestrian-friendly streets with limited traffic
- Cross streets only at intersections or crosswalks
- If walking or running in the street, stay far to the left edge (opposite the direction of traffic) so that you can see any traffic approaching
By keeping these safety precautions in mind, pedestrians can help prevent accidents and injuries. Unfortunately, even the safest pedestrians can be injured due to the actions of reckless drivers.
Contact Us
If you or someone you know has been injured in a pedestrian accident, our Fort Lauderdale pedestrian accident lawyers may be able to help. To speak with an experienced attorney, contact the offices of Salpeter Gitkin, LLP, at 954-467-8622.
