For those who live in certain areas of New York, walking may be a part of everyday life. With heavily congested traffic ever present, you may even prefer to walk from place to place. However, while pedestrianism may have numerous benefits, it could also have certain disadvantages, one of which is a lack of available protection.
Pedestrian-related accidents can take place under numerous circumstances, but the result is often the same. These collisions may cause a great deal of harm to the health of an individual, potentially prompting you to have concerns about your safety.
Reducing the risk of a pedestrian accident
Reacting in time to move out of the path of a fast-moving vehicle can be difficult, if not impossible. However, you may be able to avoid this scenario entirely by taking certain safety measures when walking near traffic, which could include the following:
- Stay alert: Alertness and awareness are two crucial aspects in pedestrian safety, as being aware of nearby vehicles and being able to identify a potential hazard could help you avoid a disaster.
- Avoid distractions: While it may be appealing to pass the time walking by focusing on your phone or a newspaper article, distraction can be just as dangerous for pedestrians as it is for drivers.
- Wear suitable clothing: Taking steps to increase your visibility while walking near traffic is a solid move, and wearing brightly colored clothing might help drivers notice you with less difficulty.
- Practice caution: Although many intersections have walk signals that allow pedestrians to cross in traffic, you may also want to ensure that vehicles are adhering to these signals before stepping into the road.
- Avoid dimly-lit areas: A lack of lighting inherently decreases driver visibility, and since pedestrians are already more difficult to see, you may want to avoid walking in these areas if possible.
While these steps could make it much safer to walk near traffic, unfortunately, an accident may still occur, especially in the presence of negligence. If a car hits you while you are adhering to traffic laws and safe walking procedures, you may have grounds to pursue compensation for your injuries.
Proceeding with a claim
Pedestrian-related collisions have a much higher chance of ending in serious injuries, and if you have suffered harm at the hands of a negligent driver, you may be in search of some much-needed compensation. However, the process can be challenging to navigate, especially alone, and seeking advice before moving forward with a claim could be in your best interests. By obtaining guidance from someone with extensive experience in the area, you could be in a much better position to pursue the full amount of compensation you deserve.
