On Behalf of Simon & Gilman, LLP | Aug 31, 2018 | Firm News
Each year, thousands of pedestrians are struck by motorists as they attempt to walk to work, school, in parking lots or in other public spaces. Many suffer catastrophic injuries when a car crashes into them. Some die. Many could have avoided getting hurt had motorists been a bit safer.
Phones, food and passengers have a tendency to distract motorists when they should be focusing intently on their surroundings. Impaired or drowsy drivers lack the necessary motor skills to notice and respond to pedestrians that may enter their path. These are just some of the many reasons that the American Automobile Association (AAA) notes that motorists can avoid becoming involved in crashes if they simply remain alert and focused on the task at hand.
AAA also suggests that motorists can greatly reduce their chances of crashing into a pedestrian if they simply drive at the posted speed limit. They recommend reducing speed around schools and residential areas where children tend to congregate, when there’s inclement weather or when in heavy traffic.
Using turn signals and headlights can go a long way in helping pedestrians to see you as you approach. This is particularly important if you’re driving in a particularly poorly lit area where pedestrians may be hard to see as they prepare to cross on the side of the road.
Also, as you get closer to a crosswalk, you should always slow down. If you stop to let someone cross, then you’ll want to look to either side to make sure that no one else is preparing to cross. You’ll never want to try to rush past a crosswalk in hopes that you won’t have to wait for a pedestrian either. It’s just not worth the risk.
Crossing the street or jogging down it shouldn’t be a dangerous activity, but it often is. In serious injury cases, it can be helpful to have a Queens motor vehicle accidents attorney representing you that has helped other clients in similar situations get compensation in their own cases.
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