As a pedestrian in South Florida, there are a lot of ways to be safe while walking around, even on the sidewalks. Below are some tips to help keep you safe while you are walking around.
Be Visible at All Times
Whether you are walking during the day or at night, you want to make yourself visible. If you see an individual operating a motor vehicle, you should try to make eye contact with the driver so you know that they see you. If you are walking at night, make sure you are wearing bright clothing, clothing with reflectors and/or have a light on your body so you do not easily blend in during low-light conditions. Additionally, you should stick to walking in well-lit areas.
Stay Alert
As a pedestrian, you not only need to make sure you keep an eye on the drivers around you, but you need to be mindful of where you are walking. You should avoid looking at your phone while walking because that is an easy way to wander into the road or trip on the sidewalks. Additionally, you may not want to walk while your headphones are on, because this may prevent you from hearing potential dangers around you.
Follow the Traffic Rules
Even though you are not driving on the roads, there are still some traffic rules that you want to obey. You should not cross the street where there is no crosswalk and you should not cross the street unless you are given the go-ahead by a traffic signal. Lastly, you should never assume that a driver will stop just because you are crossing the street.
Walk in Safe Places
When you are walking on the street, make sure you are using the sidewalk and if there is no sidewalk in the area, try to find a route that does have an available sidewalk. You want to stay off of the actual street in case a driver does not see you. As mentioned before, you should only cross the street at crosswalks and you should stay in well-lit places, if at all possible.
There is a lot of potential for danger when you are a pedestrian and your best defense on the roads is by having a good offense. Use these tips anytime you are out and if you have been injured as a pedestrian, be sure to reach out to Ginnis, Krathen, & Zelnick, P.A. for a consultation. With our extensive knowledge of the laws and statutes that apply to pedestrian accidents in combination with our expertise in representing individuals in pedestrian litigation, you will get the supportive, personal attention you deserve.