According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, in 2022, 7,522 pedestrians were killed, and more than 67,000 pedestrians were injured nationwide. California’s Office of Traffic Safety reports that pedestrian deaths account for approximately one-quarter of all state traffic fatalities. Approximately 1 out of 4 of these pedestrians were struck by hit-and-run drivers. Other types of crashes contributing to deadly accidents include DUI and distracted driving.

Most everyone is a pedestrian at some point in time. Unfortunately, pedestrian accidents and fatalities remain high. Here are some safety tips to keep in mind for both drivers and pedestrians.

Safety Tips for Drivers

If you’re a driver, here are some important safety tips to always keep top of mind to avoid injuring a pedestrian:

• Always be on the lookout for pedestrians
• When driving in hard-to-see conditions, such as nighttime or bad weather, use extra caution.
• When entering a crosswalk, slow down and be prepared to stop when turning.
• Yield to pedestrians in crosswalks and stop well back from the crosswalk to give other vehicles an opportunity to see the crossing pedestrians so they can stop too.
• Never pass vehicles stopped at a crosswalk. There may be people crossing where you can’t see.
• Never drive under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.
• Always be mindful of, and obey the speed limit, especially around school zones and in neighborhoods where children are present.
• Be extra cautious when backing up and look for pedestrians.

Walking Safety Tips

If you’re a walker, keep in mind the following tips to be safe as you walk:

• Know and follow the rules of the road, and always obey traffic signs and signals.
• Walk on sidewalks whenever they are available. If the road does not have a sidewalk, walk facing traffic and as far from traffic as possible
• Always use intersections when crossing the street, in crosswalks if they are available. Look left and right before you cross.
• If there is no crosswalk or intersection, find a place where you have the best view of traffic. Wait for a gap in traffic that allows enough time to cross safely, and continue watching for traffic as you cross.
• Be aware of cars entering or exiting driveways, or backing up in parking lots.
• Avoid alcohol and drugs when walking, as they impair your abilities and your judgment.

Contact a San Luis Obispo Personal Injury Lawyer Today

Walking is fun for a lot of people and a good form of exercise. But pedestrian accidents can result in broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, spinal injuries, and even death.  If you or a loved one has suffered injuries as a pedestrian due to the negligence of another party, you may be able to bring a personal injury lawsuit. But don’t delay. California has a two-year statute of limitations for bringing a lawsuit, and failure to meet the deadline means you will be forever barred from making that claim. Contact the Law Offices of Earl E. Conaway, lll to get the compensation you deserve.