Going for a walk through the palm tree-studded streets of California may seem like a routine activity. Since it is so common for people to take walks without a second thought, it can come as a shock that many safety risks come with being a pedestrian in California.
Hopefully, the day never comes when you are struck by a vehicle while out for a walk, but unfortunately, it is more common than you may think. An average of one pedestrian death resulting from a motor vehicle crash occurs every 88 minutes in the United States. The dedicated injury attorneys at Setareh Law are committed to ensuring you have the tips you need to reduce your risk of injury as a pedestrian in California.
Make Sure You Are Visible to Drivers
The worst thing you could do for your safety while walking along the busy streets of California is to be wearing dark clothing, especially at night. It is easy for you to become invisible to a driver, which puts you at great risk of being struck by a vehicle. Try the following to improve your visibility to drivers:
- Wear bright colors
- Wear reflective clothing
- Try to refrain from walking in dimly lit areas
- Avoid walking at night, if possible
In addition, be aware of other conditions that may reduce your visibility to drivers, such as light conditions and objects that may obstruct a driver’s view..
Utilize Sidewalks or Walking Paths
Sidewalks and walking paths are built to keep pedestrians safe and provide a designated area where they do not have to dodge traffic. If possible, it is best to adhere to areas that offer a sidewalk or path, but there are still ways to remain safe if that is not possible. If you find yourself walking in an area where you have to walk on or near the road, walk facing the direction of oncoming traffic, so both you and the driver have a chance to spot one another.
Plan Your Walking Routes Ahead of Time
It is always better to be prepared, no matter what the situation and that includes the path you will take for your walk. Whether you walk for pleasure or to get some steps in for your fitness plan, deciding the route you will take ahead of time can help avoid any hazardous areas. When planning out your route, you should consider the above tips. Ensuring you are walking in well-lit areas with sidewalks will help you get to your destination safely.
Stay Off Your Phone
Just as distracted driving can cause an accident, so can distracted walking. Especially when crossing busy streets, it is crucial to your safety that you stay off of your phone and pay attention to where you are walking. Being distracted by your phone can cause the following disastrous results:
- You may begin walking into the street or oncoming traffic
- You may find yourself lost
- You may not see an oncoming driver or biker
Look Both Ways Before Crossing the Street
This rule is something we are taught from the time we are old enough to walk. While it may seem like a no-brainer, sometimes forgetting this simple rule can cost a life. Remembering to look left, then right, then left again before crossing the busy streets of California can help prevent an accident.
Utilize California Crosswalks
Crosswalks are designed with the safety of pedestrians in mind. While a crosswalk may not always be in the most convenient spot for getting to the other side of the street, you are risking your safety by choosing to cross anywhere else illegally. California is known for its busy streets, so taking the risk of crossing wherever you like on the road could cause a catastrophic accident that could leave you—and others—injured or worse.
California Injury Lawyers Are Here to Help You
Going on a walk should not put you in danger, but the reality is that accidents can happen to anyone at any time. If you or a loved one has been injured by a negligent driver, you may be able to recover some of the damages incurred from the accident. With 13 years of experience in helping their clients through the process of a personal injury case, Setareh Law is proud to provide the attentive care needed for a case like this. Available for home, hospital, or nursing home visits, the lawyers at Setareh Law are there for you. For a free case evaluation, contact us here or give us a call at (310) 659-1826.