While it seems as if winter is holding on for dear life in our region, there’s no doubt that we’re seeing glimmers of spring. The sun is warmer, the birds are singing, the daffodils are blooming, and the roadways are starting to see more cyclists, runners and walkers. If you have been anxiously awaiting higher temperatures so you can move your workout from the gym to the great outdoors, don’t let your happiness override your vigilance. With more people outside enjoying the fresh air and sunshine, both pedestrians and automobile drivers need to keep their eyes open to avoid personal injury. Though some pedestrian and vehicle accidents are the fault of walkers simply not paying attention to what’s going on around them, a far greater number are attributed to distracted drivers who are texting, reading email, programming GPS units, and other inappropriate action while they’re behind the wheel. When a pedestrian is struck by a car, the results can be devastating. The injuries typically include pelvis, femur and wrist fractures and internal organ injuries. According to a trauma physician, “When a person is typically hit by a car, it is from the side. The mechanism starts with the car’s driver identifying the pedestrian and slamming on the brakes, which drives the bumper down. This effectively makes the initial contact point the lower leg in adults and the upper leg, or femur, in children.” Tips for avoiding accidents leading to personal injury include:
- Both drivers and pedestrians need to look both ways before entering an intersection
- Avoid distractions. Drivers should not be texting, eating, or engaged in any activity that takes their eyes off the road, and pedestrians need to be aware of their surroundings.
- Obey traffic signals
- Remember that visibility is reduced at twilight. Pedestrians should wear light-colored, reflective clothing.
- Drivers need to slow down, particularly in the neighborhoods where there are more pedestrians walking. Far fewer pedestrian deaths occur at speeds under 35 mph, while more than 25 percent of all deaths occurred at speeds between 35 and 40 mph, and pedestrians are three times more likely to die when hit by vehicles moving at 40 mph than at 25 mph.
If you or someone you love was involved in a pedestrian/automobile accident and suffered an injury, you need legal guidance from an experienced personal injury attorney. Call our office today to set up a time to come in for a convenient consultation.