Tips For Preventing Pedestrian Accidents As A Driver
As a driver, it is important to be aware of your surroundings and take extra precautions to ensure the safety of those around you. Accidentes peatonales are a serious issue that can have life-altering consequences for both parties involved. To ensure the safety of pedestrians, it is crucial to understand the potential dangers and know how to avoid them, which is why our friends at Unidos Legales have put together tips to keep you safe!
Never Drive Distracted
If you’re driving and you become distracted, take a few seconds to get your eyes back on the road. Don’t look at your phone, don’t take pictures, and don’t listen to distractions such as podcasts. Make sure you pay attention to your surroundings, especially when pedestrians are present. Keep your hands on the wheel, and be prepared to react quickly if necessary. Additionally, check your blind spots often to make sure that no one is in your way.
Always Yield To Pedestrians
It is the law to yield to pedestrians who are crossing the street in a marked or unmarked crosswalk. Never try to pass a vehicle that has already stopped for a pedestrian. When turning onto a street with a crosswalk, be sure to look both ways to make sure no pedestrians are crossing the street. In areas where the speed limit is higher, be prepared to reduce your speed when approaching a pedestrian crossing area. Additionally, you should also be prepared to stop completely if a pedestrian unexpectedly enters your path.
Follow The Speed Limit
Operating a motor vehicle at an unsafe speed increases the risk of an accident and can cause serious injuries or death to pedestrians. Always obey the posted speed limit, and slow down if you need to pass through a residential neighborhood, school zone, or any other area with a high concentration of pedestrians. Remember that it takes longer to stop when traveling at higher speeds, and by obeying the speed limit you are giving yourself more time to react in case of an emergency. Furthermore, follow local laws and pay special attention to areas with posted reduced speed limits.
Be Aware Of Your Surroundings
Pay attention to the people walking near or across the road, especially in areas with high pedestrian traffic. Be mindful of blind spots and use your mirrors to get a better view of your surroundings. Slow down in residential areas and be sure to look both ways before turning or changing lanes. At intersections, observe pedestrians who are waiting to cross and give them plenty of time to do so. Pedestrians may not be paying close attention, so it’s up to you to make sure you’re aware of their presence. Lastly, if you see a pedestrian in an area where there is no crosswalk, be sure to slow down and allow them to safely cross the street.
Never Drive Under The Influence
Driving under the influence of alcohol or any other drugs is a major risk factor for causing an accident involving pedestrians. Not only does driving under the influence reduce reaction time and diminish alertness, but it can also result in impaired judgment. As a driver, it is your responsibility to ensure that you are always in control of your vehicle and able to respond quickly to changing conditions on the road. Never get behind the wheel if you have been drinking alcohol or using any other drugs that might impair your judgment. Always arrange for a designated driver or take public transportation to avoid putting yourself and others at risk of a pedestrian accident.
These tips should help keep you safe, but if you get into an accident involving pedestrians, contact a lawyer near you for help.
