Distracted Driving and Pedestrian Safety
Be Prepared if You are in a Pedestrian Accident
Those in big cities seem to be the most vulnerable, in San Diego, for example, nearly 1,000 pedestrians and bicyclists are hit and seriously injured each year. Areas like Downtown, Southeastern, City Heights, and local neighborhoods where people walk more are the most likely to incur pedestrian and bicycle accidents.
Safety Tips for Pedestrians and Bicyclists:
Ever since we crossed our first street with our parents, we all heard “look both ways before you cross the street,” but today, there is much more to look out for and way more distractions than there were previously.
Here are some safety tips for those that enjoy a morning or evening stroll:
- Walk on the sidewalk if possible. If there is no sidewalk, walk on the side of the street facing traffic.
- Obey traffic signals.
- Cross the street only at crosswalks when it is safe to do so.
- If there is no crosswalk, move to an area where you can see oncoming traffic.
- Follow your parents’ advice and look left, right, and left again before crossing the street.
- Be alert and not distracted.
- Do not use your cell phone or wear earbuds that can alter your ability to hear oncoming traffic.
- Do not drink or take drugs that can impair you when you are planning a walk.
- Wear bright clothing during the day and reflective clothing at night.
- Wear a hat with a light or bring a flashlight on your walk at night.
- Be careful of cars around driveways where residents can pull in and out.
- Watch for cars backing up in parking lots.
- Make sure young children are with an adult when taking a walk.
- Make sure your pet is on a leash if they are walking with you, many accidents are caused by chasing an animal that may have wandered into the street.
What Should You Do If You are in a Pedestrian Accident?
Walking in a big city can be as dangerous as driving in it. Do you know what to do if you are in a pedestrian accident? Many of us are prepared for accidents as auto drivers, but most of us would not know what to do if we were in an accident while walking.
Here is some helpful information for avid walkers:
- Get medical care if you have been hit and injured
- Call the police to start an accident report, it is a legal requirement in many states
- Document the accident to the best of your ability:
- Details of where you were and where the car was
- Get information from any witnesses to the accident
- Document time, date, location, weather, and road conditions
- Record your version of the accident
- Get the information for any police officers at the scene
- If possible, get photos at the scene
- Contact your insurance company
- Do not say too much. This can be a frightening ordeal, but watch what you say at the scene of the accident
- If you are injured, seek the advice of legal counsel
The Best Car Accident Injury Attorney San Diego:
No one plans on being in a pedestrian accident, but if you are, it is wise to be prepared. In San Diego, the Law Office of Keith J. Stone is a good place to start. They are one of the best in the area.
You will need an experienced accident lawyer San Diego and surrounding areas if you are hit while walking. They can explain your rights and make sure you receive proper counsel if you are hit and injured. It is important when you are looking for an attorney to find one that is experienced in this type of legal action.
San Diego Injury Accident Attorney
Keith J. Stone’s law firm is an expert in auto accidents and works hard to make the process as simple as can be. He is a San Diego Pedestrian Accident Attorney dedicated to helping those injured in a car accident. He is also a San Diego Wrongful Death Attorney, in case you know someone involved in any type of accident and lost their life. Having his information handy can help those that do not know what to do next because of shock and bereavement.
If you or someone you know needs an Accident Attorney in San Diego, keep the Law Offices of Keith J. Stone’s phone number handy. They are available to help clients 24/7 at 619-531-2022. Their offices are at 555 W. Beech Street, Suite 210 in San Diego, CA 92101.