How to Stay Safe as a Pedestrian

Nearly 5,000 people die every year from pedestrian vehicle accidents and many more are injured according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Children and the elderly are most at risk, and their injuries can include broken bones, brain trauma, spinal cord injuries and burns. Although the chances of being involved in a pedestrian accident are not high, it still helps to take safety precautions and contact a Annapolis lawyer if you are ever injured because of another person’s negligence.

Listed below are some safety tips to avoid a pedestrian accident:

• Wear bright clothing, especially at night. This makes you more visible to oncoming drivers.
• Use sidewalks when they are available. When they aren’t, walk on the side of the street that faces oncoming traffic.
• Do not allow young children to cross the street alone.
• Teach your children to always look both ways before crossing a street.
• Avoid walking in a driver’s blind spots.
• Do not play music so loudly that you cannot hear above it. If a driver honks or swerves, you need to be able to hear.
• Be aware of vehicles that are turning or backing up.
• When you cross in front of a car, try to make eye contact so that you can be sure they are going to stop.

Unfortunately, accidents can occur regardless of how careful you are. If you or a family member are injured by a careless driver while walking or jogging, contact the Maryland pedestrian accident attorney Mr. Howie at Howie Law Firm LLC for a free consultation for personal injury cases.