The weather is getting nicer which means there are mor pedestrians walking around. Pedestrians are not always where you expect them to be, so we must practice vigilance at all times while driving, especially in urban areas where there are more people walking around. Here are some tips to help prevent Auto-Pedestrian Accidents.
Keep An Eye Out
- Follow posted speed limits at all times, especially in areas of heavy pedestrian traffic. This is even more important in areas that have lower speed limits, such as school zones and neighborhood streets where pedestrians may appear suddenly.
- Overall visibility is limited in bad weather conditions and poorly lit areas. Not only is it more difficult for drivers to see oncoming pedestrians, it also is harder for pedestrians to see you. Make sure your lights are on and you use your signals properly. Use extra caution in these circumstances.
- Be mindful of pedestrians when pulling into and out of driveways – especially if you are backing up. Pedestrians can easily enter your path without your knowledge.
- Always yield to pedestrians in a crosswalk. Allow enough room between your vehicle and the crosswalk so other drivers can see the pedestrians you have stopped for.
Drop the Distraction!
Distracted driving is a leading cause of car accidents in general, and auto-pedestrian accidents are no exception. In the quick moment that you look down to check a text, a person could appear in front of your vehicle. Wait until you get to your destination to take care of texting, emails, eating, etc…