By exercising some common sense and following some basic tips to increase safety, pedestrians can reduce the risk of accidents and injuries. If you do become the victim of an accident as a pedestrian, it is worth bearing in mind that you may be able to claim compensation and get advice from legal experts at http://www.injurylawyers4u.co.uk/.
Tips to increase safety as a pedestrian
It is important that you take steps to improve your safety as a pedestrian if you want to reduce the chances of injury. Some tips that can help you to do this include the following.
Use crossings on busy roads: If you are crossing a busy road, don't take any chances. Make sure you cross at a proper crossing or at traffic lights so that there is less chance of you being hit by a moving vehicle.
Don't cross between parked vehicles: You should avoid crossing the road in between parked vehicles, as these can obstruct your view and increase the chances of an accident. In addition, you never know if one of the parked vehicles is going to suddenly pull out.
Keep your eyes on the road: Even if you cross the road at a proper crossing, you should keep your eyes and ears open. Make sure you continue to look at the road when you cross in case of oncoming vehicles that may fail to stop for one reason or another.
Walk facing traffic: There are some areas where there is no pavement to walk on, so you may have to walk on the road. If you do have to do this, make sure you walk facing traffic so you can see what's coming.
Wear high visibility clothing: If you are walking at night, you need to do all you can to ensure drivers are able to see you. With this in mind, wear bright colours or clothing that is reflective, as this can reduce the chances of an accident being caused by motorists failing to see you.
Listen: When it comes to pedestrian safety, it is not only your eyes that you need to keep open. You also need to listen out for traffic that you may not be able to see. This could be anything from the screeching tyres of a car coming around the corner too fast, to the roar of an engine, as a nearby car starts up and pulls out.
Much of pedestrian safety is a matter of common sense, so by exercising basic caution, you can reduce the risk of falling victim to an accident while you are out and about.
January 10, 2014
June 25, 2013