HOW CAN DRIVERS HELP KEEP PEDESTRIANS SAFE ON THE ROADWAYS?

Pedestrian safety on the roadways is important and there are tips that drivers can follow to help keep pedestrians safe. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that the number of pedestrian fatalities is increasing which is why it is more important than ever for drivers to take steps to keep pedestrians safe and for pedestrians to know how to protect themselves when they have been harmed by a negligent driver in a pedestrian accident.

Over the decade from 2008 to 2017, pedestrian fatalities increased by 35%. In 2017, pedestrian deaths accounted for 16% of all traffic fatalities. Drivers can help increase pedestrian safety in a variety of different ways.

How can drivers help protect pedestrians?

• Drivers should always be on the look out for pedestrians, including in unexpected areas as well as in nighttime conditions, poor weather conditions and poorly-lit areas.
• Drivers should always stop or yield for pedestrians in crosswalks and follow all state and local pedestrian safety laws.
• Drivers should never pass another vehicle stopped at a crosswalk because they may be stopping for a pedestrian.
• Drivers should remain alert in areas where children play and learn such as school zones and neighborhoods.
• Drivers should slow down and follow all posted speed limits.

How are pedestrians protected when they are harmed in a pedestrian accident?

When a pedestrian has been harmed by a negligent driver who failed to care for the safety of pedestrians sharing the roadways, legal resources and remedies can help protect victims from the damages they suffer. Pedestrian accident victims can suffer serious injuries and a legal claim for damages may be able to help them with their physical, financial and emotional damages following a pedestrian accident.

When pedestrian accident victims have suffered at the hands of a negligent driver, a personal injury claim for damages is a useful legal tool, holding the negligent driver accountable and providing important relief for injured victims whose lives has been disrupted by a pedestrian accident.