Walking can be good exercise and is a good way to reduce your carbon footprint compared to driving. Even if you do not take regular walks, really, we are all pedestrians on a near-daily basis, even if that means you are just crossing the street at a crosswalk or walking in a parking lot. Unfortunately, pedestrians in the Savannah area are often seriously injured if they are struck by a car.
The statistics on pedestrian accidents
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, in 2019 6,205 individuals lost their lives in a pedestrian accident. This meant that a pedestrian was killed every 85 minutes in pedestrian accidents in 2019. It is important that both pedestrians and motorists follow to the safety tips per the NHTSA.
Safe walking tips for pedestrians
Pedestrians, like motorists, should follow the rules of the road. This makes their actions more predictable to motorists. If there is a sidewalk, pedestrians should walk on that. If there is no sidewalk, motorists should walk against traffic. Pedestrians should also make sure they are watching where they are going and are not distracted by their cellphone. Pedestrians should cross the street at crosswalks or intersections. If these are unavailable pedestrians should cross the street in a well-lit area where motorists can see them crossing the street. Finally, pedestrians should take care not to walk somewhere while drunk, as alcohol can impair their judgment.
Tips for motorists sharing the road with pedestrians
Motorists should always be cognizant of pedestrians in their vicinity, especially if visibility is reduced due to bad weather or at nighttime. Motorists should not go speeding through crosswalks. Instead, they should reduce their speed and be ready to stop for pedestrians. Motorists should yield to a pedestrian’s right of way at crosswalks. Motorists should not pass other motorists in crosswalks as there may be a pedestrian that they cannot see. Drunk driving should be avoided. Speeding should also be avoided, especially in school zones or other areas where children are present. Finally, motorists should always look behind them when reversing as there could be a pedestrian in their path.
Learn more about car accidents in Georgia
Pedestrian safety should always be honored by motorists, as pedestrians are especially vulnerable to serious injuries or fatalities if struck by a car. This post is for educational purposes only and does not contain legal advice. Our firm’s webpage on car accidents may be a good resource for those who want to learn more about this topic.
