Pedestrian running into street trying to cross street
Are you an accident waiting to happen? How pedestrians and motorists in Ft. Lauderdale can co-exist
Crossing the street is an action we all have to do – in an ideal world, we could walk and not worry about motorists. Or motorists, likewise, could make a turn without having to watch the actions of the pedestrian at the corner.
But pedestrians have a problem in Fort Lauderdale: According to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration Fatality Analysis Reporting System, Fort Lauderdale is the second most dangerous place in the United States for pedestrians. That makes it also a problem for drivers. One scenario cannot take place without the other.
While Fort Lauderdale has put traffic calming and pedestrian safety measures in place, there are many things pedestrians and motorists can do to protect themselves from personal injury caused by careless driving – or careless walking. A pedestrian, for example, should always cross the street at a designated crosswalk, walk on the sidewalks and walk facing traffic. A pedestrian should also:
- Cross the street in a well-lit area at night
- Never assume vehicles will stop. Make eye contact with drivers.
- Never rely solely on pedestrian signals. Look before you cross the street.
- Take off the headphones, earphones, or tear yourself away from your cell phone while crossing the street.
Motorists, likewise, should also put the cell phone down. Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of accidents with other drivers as well as pedestrians. Never think you can predict the actions of a pedestrian – always pay attention, to see exactly where they are going. Motorists should also:
- Be careful when turning at a light and intersection when pedestrians are present
- Wait until the pedestrian is safely near or at their destination before driving past them
- Always slow down to give pedestrians the right-of-way
- Remember that children, especially, are unpredictable – slow down or stop when they are nearby and wait for them to reach safety before moving.
A #personalinjurylitigationattorney will always help you obtain the damages you’re entitled to should you file a claim following a motor vehicle accident. The trick is to think ahead before that accident happens. Whether walking or driving, remember that two wheels can do more damage than two legs: As a driver, you should always be cognizant of what is around you. Damaging your car is one thing; personal injury can take a lifetime to heal.
Read more about pedestrian accidents: Click Here
