Massachusetts Personal Injury Library
How to Prevent a Pedestrian Accident
Under Massachusetts law, all vehicles must yield the right of way to pedestrians in a crosswalk. Drivers who fail to yield the right of way can face fines or prosecution if their actions result in a road accident or pedestrian injury. Even though they are protected by Massachusetts law, most pedestrians know that they must take their safety into their own hands to prevent accidents and injuries.
Unfortunately, over 4,600 people were killed in pedestrian accidents in 2007, including 61 pedestrians in Massachusetts. To further illustrate the scale of the problem, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that one pedestrian is killed in a road accident every 113 minutes.
There are ways you can help prevent a personal injury on the road, and NHTSA recommends the following tips to help ensure pedestrian safety.
Look Left-Right-Left
Always look left-right-left before you enter into a crosswalk, even if you have a green light. Teach your children to perform this simple task each and every time they cross the street.
Stick to the Sidewalks
Walk on the sidewalk whenever possible, and avoid walking on the shoulder or in the road. According to a study conducted by the Federal Highway Administration, over one third of pedestrians walk along the road or on the shoulder, which increases the risk of pedestrian accidents.
Don’t Assume
Never assume that a driver sees you because you can see them. The driver may be distracted talking on a cell phone or fiddling with the radio, so never proceed into an intersection in front of a vehicle until you make eye contact with the driver.
Choose Safe Crossings
Always cross the street at marked crossings, like crosswalks or intersections with pedestrian lights. Avoid jaywalking, and obey all traffic signs and postings.
Teach Your Children Safe Crossing Habits
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, children make up 23 percent of pedestrian injuries. It’s important your children know not to dart into the street and to go into the street only at marked crossings.
Avoid Night Walks
The NHTSA has found that 35% of pedestrian fatalities occur after 8 p.m. on the weekends, when drivers are more likely to be intoxicated. If you walk for fun or fitness, try to plan your walks for the mornings or during the day.
These are just a few tips that can help prevent pedestrian accidents and injuries. On a bright note, government statistics show that pedestrian injuries and fatalities are decreasing. According to NHTSA, pedestrian fatalities exceeded 5,000 in 1997, but the general trend line has been decreasing since that year.
If you have been injured in a accident due to someone else’s negligence, contact an experienced Boston pedestrian accident attorney today. In this critical time you need a legal team that will fight for the compensation you deserve!
Call the Kiley Law Group: 888-208-1695.
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