Throughout the country, distracted driving has been considered one of the main causes of accidents between vehicles and pedestrians and Los Angeles is certainly no exception. What’s often surprising to people though is that the motorist isn’t always at risk and they aren’t always the distracted party – pedestrians can be distracted while walking on or near roadways too.
Using cell phones while walking down the street can be dangerous
There’s plenty of discussion around the country that it’s not safe for drivers to be using cell phones or other electronic devices, but it’s not uncommon to see pedestrians walking down the street or on the sidewalk with their head down staring at their phones.
This can lead to serious injuries when a driver is also not looking out. It’s just as much the pedestrian’s responsibility to stay safe as it is for the driver to keep their eye open. In fact, consider that 40% of Americans have seen an accident involving a person who was walking and was distracted and more than 25% have been involved themselves. Sadly, pedestrian fatalities are on the rise nationwide = up by 15% from 2009 to 2013.
Simple tips to help you stay safe as a pedestrian
Keeping yourself safer on the streets and sidewalks starts with a few rules you can follow.
- Make sure you check both ways before you cross the street. We know, this is the advice you’ve been getting since you were three years old but it’s still solid advice that many people need a gentle reminder on.
- Always use crosswalks. In fact, not only will they keep you safer, but they can ensure that if you are injured in a pedestrian accident, you’re able to get the compensation you’re entitled to.
- Keep an eye on every vehicle’s blind spots. Remember that just because you can see a vehicle doesn’t mean that they’re able to see you.
- Make eye contact with the drivers of vehicles that are coming towards you. This will help them to register that you’re there and that they need to take steps to avoid hitting you.
- Don’t use any type of electronic device when you’re walking. Yes, this includes using headphones. Remember that you need all of your senses to stay safe. Blocking out sound can make you much more vulnerable to being involved in an accident.
- Whether you’re walking during the day or night, be sure to wear reflective clothing.
- Get your friends together. The more people are traveling together, the more likely a driver will be to see you.
Have you been involved in a pedestrian accident?
At Law Offices of Michael A. Kahn we provided these tips to help you stay safe but make no mistake: it’s not entirely your responsibility to prevent a vehicle from hitting you. If you’ve been involved in an accident as a pedestrian then it’s time to contact us. Call us at (310) 209-1600 for your free consultation. We work strictly on contingency which means that if we’re not able to recover for you there is no fee to us at all.
