Florida Injury Lawyer Blog
According to The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), distracted pedestrians are an increasing problem, with the number of pedestrian fatalities caused by car accidents jumping 4% in 2010. According to the NHTSA, there were 4280 pedestrians fatally injured in car accidents in 2010. That year, pedestrian accidents accounted for 3% of reported injuries and 13% of all vehicle accident fatalities. In 73% of fatal pedestrian accident cases, the accidents took place in urban spaces. About 90% of the accidents took place in fair weather and 80% took place in non-intersection areas. However, 68% of the accidents took place during the right.
According to U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood, drivers cannot take the full blame for the accidents. According to LaHood, both pedestrians and drivers have a responsibility to share the road safely and to remain alert. Jonathan Adkins of the Governors Highway Safety Association and other experts believe that pedestrian distraction is one of the major reasons for the increase in pedestrian fatalities.
Miami is a city with many cars and pedestrians, so the increase in fatalities is concern for the community. To avoid being injured in a Miami car accident when crossing the street, experts recommend the following:
1) Stay alert when walking. Distracted walking is a major concern when it comes to Miami pedestrian accidents. Many people are aware that using mobile devices while driving leads to Miami truck accidents and car collisions. However, using mobile devices can also be dangerous when walking. Listening to music or talking on the phone when walking, for example, prevents a pedestrian from listening to important traffic cues. Looking at a mobile device can cause a pedestrian to inadvertently walk out into traffic.
2) Avoid walking home under the influence. Of course, Miami drunk driving accidents continue to be a concern. However, walking home under the influence may not be the best plan when it comes to avoiding a drunk driving collision. Pedestrians under the influence are more likely to injure themselves in a Miami slip and fall or trip and fall accident and may wander into traffic or fail to notice oncoming traffic.
3) Stay visible. Pedestrians are always safer when drivers can see them. This may mean wearing reflective clothing at night or bright clothing during the day. It can also mean making eye contact with drivers before crossing the street, to make sure that drivers see you.
4) Cross at crosswalks and intersections where possible. If this is not an option, wait for a break in traffic that will allow you to cross with plenty of time.
5) Use a path or sidewalk where possible. Sharing a roadway with cars is dangerous. In areas where there is no sidewalk, use the shoulder of the road or even walk on the lawns rather than stepping into the road, if possible. Walk towards oncoming traffic.
If you have been injured in a Miami pedestrian accident, contact the Flaxman Law Group to arrange a free accident consultation to discuss your case. The legal team at the Flaxman Law Group has successfully found compensation for thousands of South Florida personal injury survivors over the years. To find out what the full service law firm can do for you, call today.