Walking should be one of the safest ways to travel, but pedestrian accidents remain a serious concern. While the law grants you the right to travel by sidewalk or cross at an intersection, it does not guarantee drivers will be alert to your presence.
Fortunately, you can take multiple actions to help avoid a crash. By following these important safety precautions for Fresno pedestrians, you increase the likelihood of reaching your destination without an accident. Should an accident happen, the team of skilled pedestrian wreck attorneys at Dunnion Law can help you explore your legal options.
Many collisions happen simply because a motorist did not notice a pedestrian until it was too late to stop. One of the most effective ways to prevent a pedestrian accident is to make sure Fresno drivers can see you, especially if you regularly walk during darker hours.
Wearing light-colored, reflective, or bright jackets can dramatically improve your visibility to drivers both during the day and when their headlights are on. Carrying a small flashlight or other reflective accessories can also help drivers spot you farther away.
Distractions are not just a problem for drivers. Pedestrians who focus on their phones, headphones, or other devices may fail to notice approaching vehicles or changing traffic signals. When you divide your attention, you reduce your ability to react quickly to danger.
Looking down at a phone while crossing the street can be especially risky. Even a few seconds of distraction may cause you to miss a turning vehicle or a driver who fails to yield.
When walking near traffic, stay alert and keep your head up. Pay attention to everything from traffic signals to the flow of traffic around you. Avoiding distractions while you walk around Fresno is one of the most important ways you can protect your safety.
Marked crosswalks are the safest way to cross busy roadways. They provide a predictable place for pedestrians to walk and signal to drivers to slow down and yield the right of way.
For added safety, wait for the pedestrian signal before stepping into a Fresno street, even if traffic appears clear. Drivers turning at intersections often focus on oncoming traffic and may not immediately notice someone crossing.
Never assume that a driver has seen you, even if you are standing in a crosswalk. It might sound simple, but taking the precaution of making eye contact with a Fresno driver to confirm they see you can make walking across the street much safer.
Before stepping into the roadway, try to establish visual contact with approaching drivers. If they look directly at you and slow down, that is usually a sign they intend to yield. If you cannot confirm that the driver sees you, it is safer to wait.
Pedestrian accidents do not only happen on busy streets. Parking lots, shopping centers, and residential driveways present their own hazards. Drivers often reverse without carefully checking for pedestrians behind them.
Walk cautiously through parking areas and remain aware of vehicles that may be backing up. Avoid walking directly behind parked cars where drivers cannot easily see you. When possible, choose paths that keep you out of motorists’ way. Maintaining awareness of your surroundings at all times is one of the best preventative safety measures you can take while walking in Fresno.
Unfortunately, taking each of these safety precautions for Fresno pedestrians may not prevent an accident. Dunnion Law is a family-run firm that opened in 1975, with over 50 years of experience helping injured individuals. We use our years of tried knowledge and strategies to make sure you are protected if a car hits you while you are out walking. Call us today to discuss your case.