Pedestrian accidents can involve just about anyone at anytime, but according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the three groups that are most at risk are people 65 and older, children ages 5 to 9, and people who have had too much to drink. Drivers in New York will want to consider the following tips so that they can safely share the road with pedestrians.
It all begins with backing out of the driveway. Drivers should take their time and turn their head back rather than rely only on the mirrors. They should also be cautious around crosswalks since pedestrians always have the right-of-way on them. It’s easy to forget that any intersection, whether or not it is marked, is a crosswalk by law. Violating pedestrians’ safety buffer in these areas can sometimes lead to fines.
Drivers should also know ahead of time about school zones, parks, playgrounds, and other areas where children are likely to be present. Never pass a stopped school bus, especially when its lights are flashing; drivers who are caught doing so are severely penalized and may even have their license suspended. Parking lots are another space to navigate with caution. Over half of all back-over incidents occur in them. No matter where they are, drivers should never, ever touch their smartphone. They must also keep an eye out for pedestrians with special needs.
Pedestrian accidents can result in serious injuries to the person who is hit by the vehicle. In many cases, the victim will need extensive and expensive medical care and treatment. If it can be determined that the pedestrian had the right of way or that the driver was negligent in some other fashion, an attorney could assist in seeking appropriate compensation.