As a driver or pedestrian, you have a responsibility to prevent car accidents. You must be alert and aware of your surroundings at all times. Look both ways before proceeding through intersections. Drivers, slow down in areas with high foot traffic and yield to pedestrians in crosswalks. Pedestrians, make eye contact with drivers and wait for vehicles to stop before crossing. Follow all traffic signals and signs. Avoid distractions like cell phones when operating a vehicle or walking. Be visible at night with reflective gear. By being cautious and courteous, you can help reduce pedestrian injuries and fatalities. We all share the roads and sidewalks, so let’s work together to get where we’re going safely.
Understanding Pedestrian Accident Statistics in Texas
Pedestrian fatalities are an ongoing issue in Texas, with over 500 deaths reported in 2019 alone. According to the Governors Highway Safety Association, Texas ranks 2nd in the U.S. for pedestrian fatality rates. These sobering statistics highlight the importance of road safety education for both drivers and pedestrians.
For drivers, the most dangerous times are dusk and dawn when visibility is low. Exercise additional caution, reduce speed, and be alert for pedestrians crossing the road. Distracted or drowsy driving also contributes to many accidents, so focus fully on the road.
Pedestrians should utilize crosswalks and signals, make eye contact with drivers to ensure they are seen before crossing, and avoid distraction from mobile devices. Impaired walking due to alcohol or drugs is another factor, so pedestrians should avoid crossing roadways when intoxicated.
Children and the elderly are particularly at risk. Motorists should take extra care in residential neighborhoods and near schools, playgrounds, and senior centers. Be prepared to stop quickly for pedestrians entering the roadway.
Overall, following the rules of the road, minimizing distractions, and being courteous to others can help reduce pedestrian fatalities and make our streets safer for all. Collectively taking responsibility for road safety is key to lowering accident rates over the long run. We all share the roads, so exercising caution and patience is in everyone's best interest.
Top Tips for Drivers to Avoid Pedestrian Accidents
As a driver, you have a responsibility to share the road safely with pedestrians. Following these tips can help prevent tragic accidents:
Obey traffic laws and speed limits.
Speeding reduces reaction times and impacts braking distance. Obey posted speed limits, especially in areas with high pedestrian traffic like school zones, bus stops and crosswalks.
Look for pedestrians, especially at crosswalks.
Scan intersections and crosswalks as you approach them. Pedestrians have the right of way in crosswalks, so be prepared to stop. Look for pedestrians waiting to cross or crossing from either direction.
Avoid distractions while driving.
Put away your phone and limit other diversions like eating, drinking or adjusting controls. Pay full attention to the road and your surroundings. Distracted driving puts pedestrians in danger.
Yield to pedestrians in crosswalks.
Come to a complete stop and wait for pedestrians to cross. Do not drive around or through groups of pedestrians. Once pedestrians have fully cleared the roadway, you may proceed with caution.
Be extra cautious at night or in poor visibility.
Pedestrians can be harder to see in the dark or poor weather conditions. Reduce speed, increase following distance and turn on your headlights to maximize visibility.
Leave ample space between vehicles.
Tailgating limits your view and reaction time. Leave extra space between you and other vehicles so you have a clear view of the road and any pedestrians. This also gives other drivers more time to react in an emergency.
Following these safe driving practices can help prevent tragic accidents and save lives. Always be on alert for pedestrians, obey traffic laws and avoid distractions. Share the road responsibly.
Best Practices for Pedestrians to Stay Safe
As a pedestrian, following some best practices can help reduce your risk of an accident.
Cross Carefully
Only cross the street at marked crosswalks and obey all traffic signals. Make eye contact with drivers to ensure they see you before stepping into the roadway. Cross when traffic has come to a complete stop.
Be Visible
Wear bright or reflective clothing, especially at night. Carry a flashlight or install reflective strips on your clothing, shoes, wristbands, backpack, etc. to make yourself more visible to drivers.
Walk Defensively
Don't assume drivers see you. Stay alert, avoid distractions like mobile devices, and walk facing traffic if there are no sidewalks so you can see oncoming vehicles.
Follow the Rules
Cross at intersections and obey all pedestrian crossing signs and signals. Do not cross mid-block or diagonally. Walk on sidewalks when available and avoid walking in traffic lanes.
Impairment
Do not walk if you have consumed alcohol, drugs or medication that can impair your mobility, judgment or coordination.
Following these best practices as a pedestrian and exercising caution around traffic and vehicles can help prevent accidents and ensure you get where you need to go safely. Both drivers and pedestrians should be mindful of each other and share the responsibility of pedestrian safety.
What to Do After a Pedestrian Accident in Texas
If you are involved in an accident with a pedestrian in Texas, there are several important steps you must take. First, stop your vehicle immediately and call 911 for emergency assistance. Do not leave the scene.
Provide Aid to the Pedestrian
Check on the condition of the pedestrian and provide first aid or CPR if necessary. Do not move the pedestrian unless absolutely essential for safety reasons or medical treatment. Wait for emergency responders to properly transport the pedestrian to a hospital.
Contact Law Enforcement
Notify local law enforcement authorities like the police about the incident. Cooperate fully with the responding officers and provide your license, registration, and insurance information. Answer any questions truthfully and to the best of your ability.
Exchange Information
If able, obtain the pedestrian's personal information like name, address, phone number, and insurance details if applicable. Provide the pedestrian with your vehicle and insurance information in return. Photograph the scene of the accident, including vehicle and roadway positions. These details may be important for insurance and legal purposes.
Do Not Admit Fault
Do not admit fault or blame at the scene. Provide only basic factual information to authorities and the pedestrian. Apologizing or speculating about the cause of the accident may be seen as assuming liability. Your insurance company will conduct a proper investigation.
Contact Your Insurance Provider
Promptly alert your auto insurance provider about the pedestrian accident. Cooperate with their investigation and provide any details or documentation requested. Your insurance company will handle claims and determine fault and liability in the incident.
Following these steps after a pedestrian accident can help ensure you meet your legal obligations, provide necessary aid, and properly handle insurance claims. Take a deep breath and try to remain calm. The most important thing is getting help for anyone injured.
Pedestrian Accident Claims - How a Texas Car Accident Lawyer Can Help
If you have been injured in a pedestrian accident, contacting an experienced Texas car accident lawyer can help you pursue compensation for your injuries and other losses. A lawyer can investigate your claim, determine who is liable, and pursue the maximum compensation possible under Texas law.
Investigating Your Claim
A pedestrian accident lawyer will launch a thorough investigation into your accident to establish liability. This includes reviewing police reports, witness statements, traffic camera footage, and medical records. The lawyer will need to prove that the driver violated traffic laws or was otherwise negligent to establish liability.
Determining Fault and Liability
In some cases, liability in a pedestrian accident claim may be shared between multiple parties. For example, a distracted driver may be primarily liable, but poor lighting or an obstructed view may also share some fault. Your lawyer can determine percentages of liability for all responsible parties to pursue compensation from each one.
Calculating Your Losses
Your lawyer will calculate all losses and damages related to your accident to determine the full amount of compensation you deserve. This includes medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, physical impairment, disfigurement, and loss of enjoyment of life. Your lawyer will demand compensation for all of your accident-related losses.
Negotiating a Settlement
Most pedestrian accident claims settle out of court through negotiations with insurance companies. Your lawyer will negotiate firmly on your behalf to obtain a fair settlement that fully compensates you for your losses. If negotiations fail, your lawyer can take the claim to court to pursue the maximum compensation allowed under Texas law either through a trial or alternative dispute resolution.
With the help of an experienced pedestrian accident lawyer, you have the best chance of obtaining fair compensation after a serious accident. Do not delay—contact a lawyer as soon as possible after your accident to begin investigating your claim.
Conclusion
You now have several useful tips for preventing pedestrian accidents, whether you're behind the wheel or crossing the street on foot. By being alert, courteous, and assistance of experienced lawyers at Fletcher Law drivers and walkers can work together to reduce injuries and fatalities. Remember to drive defensively, watch for pedestrians, and obey traffic laws and signals. When walking, stay visible, avoid distractions, and cross at designated areas. We all share the roads and sidewalks. With care and attention from both drivers and pedestrians, we can make our communities safer for everyone.