It’s a new year and it’s time for some new resolutions. Our Phoenix pedestrian accident attorneys asked all residents to make their New Year’s resolutions to be safer travelers on our roadways. We would like to remind you that being a good driver, pedestrian and bicyclist involves keeping a close eye out for others traveling on the same roadway. Compassion and caution can help to make our roadways safer for everyone.Bicycle and pedestrian accidents in Phoenix happen all too often because of driver inattention. It’s very important for drivers to share the road safely with pedestrians and bicyclists as they’re extremely vulnerable travelers. There are a few simple safety tips that can help travelers to more safely navigate our Phoenix roadways and to avoid a potentially fatal accident.
Safety Tips for Bicyclers, from the City of Phoenix:
-Bicyclists who are under the age of 8 should never be allowed to ride alone. These young riders should always ride on a sidewalk, too.
-Make sure that both of your feet can touch the ground (flat) when sitting on the bicycle’s seat.
-Use a crosswalk when crossing a street.
-Look left, right and left again before crossing the street.
-Always ride your bike with the flow of traffic.
-Be sure to obey all traffic signals and signs.
-Never ride with more than one person to a bike. Bicycles that have one seat and one handlebar were meant for one person.
-Be on the lookout for broken glass, sticks, rocks and other dangerous debris in the roadway while biking.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there were approximately 120 pedestrians who died in the state of Arizona in 2009. With efforts from both motorists and from pedestrians, we can all do our part to keep the roadways safe for everyone. Drivers need to be cautious of our on-foot travelers while pedestrians need to be cautious of where and when they walk while navigating the city.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) predicts that in the next 24 hours, nearly 325 people across the country will be sent to an emergency room because of pedestrian-related injuries. In the next 2 hours, the CDC predicts that at least one person will die from a traffic-related pedestrian accident.
According to recent statistics, male pedestrians are more likely to be injured or to be killed in a traffic-related pedestrian accident.
Safety Tips to Help Pedestrians Avoid an Accident:
-Always cross the street at a designated crosswalk.
-Even when using a crosswalk, pedestrians need to be careful of nearby cars as they may not always yield to the right-of-way to a pedestrian.
-When walking at night, be sure to wear reflective tape on your clothing or to carry a flashlight with you so that you can be easily seen by passing motorists.
-Your best bet is so walk on a sidewalk. If there’s no sidewalk available and you need to walk in the street, do so facing oncoming traffic.
We all need to make the effort to make 2012 the safest year yet on our roadways. These safe roadways start with you and your commitment to be a better and safer traveler. Happy 2012 and we hope you make one of your New Year’s resolutions to be more aware of travelers on our Phoenix roadways.
If you are a pedestrian in Arizona that has been injured as a result of a collision with a motor vehicle, contact us online or call (866) 99-ABELS for a free consultation. You may be entitled to compensation for your injuries, and there is no attorney’s fee unless a recovery is made on your behalf.
More Blog Entries:
ADOT reports significant reduction in Arizona auto accidents in 2010, Phoenix Injury Lawyer Blog, September 14, 2011
Arizona pedestrian accident lawyer settles lawsuit for $95,000 at mediation, Phoenix Injury Lawyer Blog, July 22, 2011