Pedestrian accidents are common in a state like Florida where tourists abound. Take steps to keep yourself safe while walking!
In 2015, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimated that around 5,000 pedestrians were killed in traffic accidents. Another 129,000 pedestrians were treated for injuries related to traffic accidents.
People who are involved in a car accident as a pedestrian are at greater risk for serious injury than those who are in the vehicle. A pedestrian has no outside protection and their bodies take the full brunt of the impact. Injuries can be life-changing, which is why every Florida pedestrian should try to avoid them at all costs.
8 most common causes of pedestrian accidents in Florida
While there can be many ways that a pedestrian can be injured by a car, some of the most common ways that these accidents occur include:
- Rolling stops or failure to stop at an intersection
- Reckless driving
- Excessive speeding
- Poor intersection design and maintenance
- Drunk driving
- Distracted driving
- Passing a stopped school bus/school zone accidents
- Pedestrian negligence
Pedestrians are considered anyone who is using the walkways or roadways who are not in a vehicle. This includes:
- Walkers
- Joggers or runners
- Bicyclists
- Skateboarders
- Roller skaters
- Segway riders
Most common place where pedestrian accidents happen
Florida is very distinct in the fact that a majority of the state is considered to be vacation area. With a high influx of tourists in the area, especially during summer and the holidays, tourist areas are the most common places for pedestrian accidents to occur. This is especially true around tourist attractions and the beach areas.
Outside of the tourist areas, the most common places for a pedestrian accident to occur is in neighborhoods and school zones.
Staying safe as a pedestrian
When you’re out and about as a pedestrian, there are several things that you can do to protect yourself. While all accidents cannot be avoided, you can help prevent some of the most common occurrences by using the following tips:
- Never dart out between cars. If you need to cross the roadway, do so at the intersection at a designated crosswalk. When you cross at an intersection you’re more visible to passing vehicles and you may have the benefits of a stop light or road sign. Using the crosswalk can also help you see vehicles coming that may not be paying attention to you.
- Wear light clothes at night or carry a light. If you’re walking around or cycling at night, make sure that you can be seen. A light of any type and bright clothing is recommended. If possible, use reflectors on your clothes.
- Never assume that you have the right-of-way, even if you do. The “pedestrian laws” that give people the right to cross streets in certain areas are not meant to cause accidents, but they often do. Even if you have the right to cross the street at a designated pedestrian area, make sure that oncoming traffic is actually going to stop.
What to do after a pedestrian accident
If you’ve been injured in a pedestrian accident, you may face serious and life-changing injuries. It’s very important that you seek skilled legal representation from a local personal injury attorney near you as soon as possible after the accident to protect your rights as an injury victim.
Your attorney will make sure that you’re receiving all of the medical care that you need and will help you construct a compensation package. Your attorney will work on your behalf with the insurance company to create a compensation package that covers your medical care both now and in the future for your injuries and covers your financial losses.
