Safety Tips for Pedestrians

Pedestrian accidents are no laughing matter. When a car crashes into a pedestrian, it is very likely that the pedestrian will suffer serious injuries, including head trauma, spinal cord damage, and broken bones. Some injuries may even be fatal. For this reason, it’s important to learn how to protect yourself as you walk on the streets of San Francisco. Follow these safety tips for pedestrians:

Don’t drink and walk.

Everyone knows that it’s dangerous to get behind the wheel after consuming alcohol, but did you know you shouldn’t drink and walk either? According to AAA , about half of all car accidents that result in pedestrian fatalities involve alcohol. To be more specific, 34% of these accidents involved an intoxicated pedestrian. If you plan on walking anywhere, it’s important to stay sober to protect yourself.

Wait for the car to completely stop.

Many pedestrian accidents occur at crosswalks when a driver fails to stop to allow a pedestrian to cross in front of him. If you’re waiting at a crosswalk, don’t ever assume that a car that appears to be slowing down will come to a complete stop. You should always play it safe by waiting for the car to completely stop before you start walking across the intersection. Remember, drivers could be slowing down because they are distracted or looking for a street sign, so don’t assume that they see you.

Be aware of the traffic signs.

Pedestrians should pay attention to every traffic sign that they see even if it doesn’t apply to them. For example, pedestrians don’t need to know that U-turns are prohibited at a light, but they should still pay attention to this sign. Why? Doing so will help you understand what the drivers around you will do. By anticipating drivers’ next moves, you can stay safe while walking on the street.

Listen.

Your ears can tell you a lot about what’s going on around you, so you shouldn’t wear headphones while walking. If you do, you may not hear a car honking his horn to warn you that he is quickly approaching or an ambulance siren that is getting closer and closer.

Unfortunately, you could still end up in a pedestrian accident even if you follow all of these tips. If you have been injured because of another person’s negligence, speak with personal injury attorney James Rush at Rush Injury Law at once. Call 415-897-4801 today to schedule your free consultation or visit us online at www.rushinjurylaw.com .