As a pedestrian, everywhere you look you see motor vehicles. Some of these are in parking lots, but just as many are moving. While there’s nothing you can do to guarantee the avoidance of a pedestrian-vehicle accident, knowledge of the primary causes can help you adjust your approach to safety.
Many pedestrian-vehicle accidents are caused by the driver, with these factors among the most common:
- Distracted driving: This takes on many forms, such as talking on the phone, texting, eating or drinking, conversing with passengers and daydreaming.
- Speeding: When a person drives too fast, such as in a city setting, there’s a greater chance of striking a pedestrian. For example, the faster a person is driving the more time it takes for them to stop, such as if they see a pedestrian in a crosswalk.
- Failure to obey the rules of the road: In addition to violating the speed limit, this can include ignoring traffic signals and traffic signs and failing to yield to pedestrians at crosswalks.
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs: It doesn’t take a lot of either substance to hinder a person’s ability to make sound decisions.
- Drowsy driving: A driver can become drowsy at any time of the day, which affects their ability to concentrate on the road. This is typically a greater concern during the evening hours.
You can’t do anything to change the behavior of the drivers in close proximity to you, but knowledge of common forms of negligence will ensure that you take extra caution.
Here are some personal steps you can take to avoid trouble:
- Always cross the road at designated crosswalks
- Never disrupt the flow of traffic, such as darting in front of a vehicle
- Make eye contact with drivers when crossing the street
- Walk facing traffic
A pedestrian-vehicle accident can turn your life upside down. In addition to major injuries, such as a traumatic brain injury and broken bones, you may have concerns about receiving the right treatment and paying for your medical bills in Arizona.
Once your health is stabilized, learn more about the cause of your accident and how to hold the negligent driver responsible for your injuries and associated damages.
