Pedestrian accidents in Florida lead to many tragedies. Because cars and pedestrians are so unevenly matched, pedestrians struck by a vehicle often face significant injuries, such as broken bones, spinal cord injuries, brain injuries, disfigurement, and other injuries. In addition, pedestrians face a high risk of fatalities when struck by a car.
Unfortunately, in many cases, it is not a pedestrian’s fault that they have sustained injury. Some Florida motorists take significant risks when driving, and these risks can lead to car accidents. Motorists all over the country have a responsibility to drive safely to prevent car accidents and pedestrian accidents. Drivers can help prevent such accidents by:
1. Maintaining good visibility. Being able to see the road is crucial when driving. Wearing sunglasses during daylight driving hours can help cut glare. Keeping glasses and the windshield clean can also help improve visibility. Of course, if you need glasses, you should get regular check-ups and ensure that you have the latest prescription available so that your eyesight is 20/20.
2. Obeying the rules of the crosswalks. All corners have crosswalks – whether those crosswalks are indicated by painted lines or signs or whether those crosswalks are unmarked. When approaching any corner or crosswalk, exercise additional caution and be prepared to stop quickly. Keep in mind that pedestrians have the right of way in all crosswalks. This also applies to crosswalks which are not marked.
3. Watching out for parked cars. Parked cars mean pedestrians, since people will be walking to and from their parked vehicles. At the same time, though, parked cars mean reduced visibility for drivers, since parked cars can mean that pedestrians step out between parked cars, where they may be less visible.
4. Becoming sensitive to motion. Keep your eyes moving and stay alert. If you see any motion, even from the corner of your eye, always check to see what made the motion and get prepared for the unexpected.
5. Looking out for spaces that are shared by pedestrians and vehicles. When entering or leaving a driveway, for example, stay alert for pedestrians. Keep in mind that driveways may have pedestrians as well as cars, and you need to stay alert for both. Parking lots and loading areas or docks are similar.
6. Checking blind spots carefully. Never assume that there are no pedestrians around. Turn around to check your blind spots and use your mirrors as well as your side windows to look before you back up. Even when you are on the road, make sure that you keep your eyes moving so that you understand whether there is anything in your blind spots.
7. Exercising extra caution around buses, school buses and ice cream trucks. Children running up to ice cream trucks may pay very little attention to traffic because they are anticipating an ice cream cone. Similarly, children leaving or getting on buses may be more excited by their destination or may be talking to each other and not notice your car.