Pedestrian safety is a major concern in North Carolina. In fact, more than 2,400 pedestrians are hit by a car annually throughout the state.
Whether you are going to work, the bus stop, your neighbor’s house, or running errands, almost all of us find ourselves traveling on foot during the course of a day. Often times, however, we might take our safety for granted while walking alongside roads and on sidewalks.
A Recent Case
Recently, a Wake Technical Community College student was struck by a vehicle as she was crossing the road on a crosswalk. The incident occurred in Raleigh on Wake Forest Road, after Mitra had finished up her last class of the day. This road is particularly dangerous due to its close location to I-440—and the fact that it is eight lanes wide—meaning it is heavily trafficked.
As a result of the incident, Mitra was knocked to the ground and suffered a broken hand. Looking to take legal action, Mitra contacted our very own Benjamin Whitley who was able to help her receive a settlement.
Pedestrian Safety Tips
When walking through a crosswalk or near a road, it is important to always exercise the utmost safety. When crossing the street, it is smart to eliminate all potential variables that may distract you from hearing or seeing oncoming traffic, such as headphones or cellphones. Cellphones provide a variety of distractions for the user and can make it difficult to react to vehicles.
Always look both ways at least once before crossing the street, and never assume that a vehicle is going to stop for you. If possible, consider waiting a few additional seconds for a safer point to cross the road – do not force your way across the street. Make sure to keep your eyes and ears open for reverse lights and engines on vehicles, especially in crowded high-traffic areas such as parking lots.
In addition, when walking in dark conditions, carrying a light or wearing bright, reflective materials is helpful to keep you as visible as possible to oncoming traffic.
Seeking Legal Help After an Accident
While these and other safety tips are crucial for pedestrian safety, some accidents might be unavoidable due to a motorist’s careless or reckless actions. If you or someone you know was injured in a pedestrian accident, you may be entitled to compensation. At Whitley Law Firm, our attorneys have experience handling these claims, investigating the circumstances of an incident, and working tirelessly to pursue compensation on our client’s behalf. Please do not hesitate to reach out for a consultation, which are always free.
