One of the best ways to get exercise is to go for a walk, and this can be as simple as exploring your local community, walking through a local park, or getting some steps in downtown. Not only are there huge health benefits to walking, but you also get to see your local community in a new way. This year, National Walking Day (the first Wednesday in April) falls on April 1st. The pedestrian accident attorneys at Lerner and Rowe encourage everyone to follow these National Walking Day safety tips to enjoy the day.
Walk Smart
Good walking habits start long before you walk out the door. Here are some important practices you should always follow:
- Use sidewalks: When available, use sidewalks during your walk. If there are no sidewalks, then walk on the road’s shoulder facing oncoming traffic.
- Use crosswalks: Only cross the road where there is a crosswalk or intersection, and always wait for the signal. Taking a few extra seconds to wait can be life-saving.
- Minimize distractions: Make sure your phone is out of sight, and avoid wearing headphones. If you do have to play music, make sure you have it low enough to still notice your surroundings.
- Be predictable: Try to walk straight, and avoid weaving around parked cars. Drivers need you to be somewhat predictable so that you can share the road safely.
- Watch out for others: When walking, you not only have to watch out for cars but also others using shared space, such as bicycles or e-scooters.
Look Out for Drivers
One of the most important, yet least discussed, national walking day tips is to not assume that a driver is aware of your presence, even if you have the right of way. Your safety is always at risk.
- Look before stepping off the curb: as you are approaching the curb, try and make direct eye contact with the driver of a vehicle. A nod or a wave of the hand goes a long way in ensuring that the driver has seen you.
- Be careful of turning vehicles: trucks and other vehicles turning onto your path may have a big blind spot. Be careful and do not assume that the driver has seen you. Let the vehicle make the turn before crossing the road.
- Be careful around intersections: the majority of accidents happen at intersections. Make sure that all lanes are clear before crossing the road. Drivers who run a red light are not playing by the same rules as you are.
Visibility is one of your strongest assets as a pedestrian. Here are the national walking day tips you need to stay visible no matter what time of day it is:
- Daytime visibility: Wearing bright and bold clothing such as neon yellow, orange, and lime green will make you more visible. This is especially important for busier and faster roads.
- Nighttime safety: Wearing a reflective vest and other reflective accessories such as ankle bands and reflective materials for your shoes and jacket will make you more visible. Make sure to carry a flashlight and shine it towards the road so that drivers will easily spot you.
- Dawn and dusk: These are the worst times for pedestrians because visibility is poor and headlights are often not enough. Consider getting a headlamp or a blinking LED clip light for any dawn or dusk walks.
Plan Your Route
Before you head out, take a minute to map your route out. Choose routes that are well-lit and heavily traveled, especially if you’re going out at night. If you are planning on going out alone for your walk, be sure to tell someone your plans, especially if you are going through rough terrain. Make sure you check the weather forecast, as rain, fog, and slick roads can reduce your visibility significantly, increasing the chances of a collision with a vehicle. Wear comfortable shoes, too, as an ankle twist on uneven terrain can put your new habit on hold before you even start.
Beyond National Walking Day Tips – Know Your Rights
You have the right of way in designated crosswalks, but don’t forget that your rights are limited. If you notice a speeding vehicle heading towards the crosswalk, wait until the vehicle passes before you cross, even if you know you have the right of way. Your right of way is not worth your life, so don’t be afraid to wait. Avoid jaywalking, though, as this puts you in an unpredictable position on the road, negating your right-of-way altogether.
Lerner and Rowe: Here with the National Walking Day Tips You Need
By following these national walking day tips, you are already taking the first step toward staying safe this National Walking Day. If the unexpected happens and you’re involved in a pedestrian accident, the personal injury attorneys at Lerner and Rowe are always available to help you build a solid case against the party at fault, as well as help you obtain the financial compensation you deserve for your injuries.
When you work with us, you never have to pay anything upfront and only pay if we win, so you have nothing to lose and everything to gain. On top of that, when you look at the billion dollar results we’ve been able to achieve for our clients nationwide, you know we’ll fight hard for you.
To get started with us today, simply give us a call, fill out our convenient online contact form, or use our LiveChat service now.
The information on this blog is for general information purposes only. Nothing herein should be taken as legal advice for any individual case or situation. This information is not intended to create, and receipt or viewing does not constitute, an attorney-client relationship.