Whether you’re walking for fun, for exercise, or as part of your commute, following proper pedestrian safety practices is vital. Drivers may be distracted by mobile phones, other passengers, or a myriad of other factors. Being a cautious walker can prevent a tragic pedestrian accident from occurring. To reinforce what you already know and to celebrate the American Heart Association’s “Move More Month,” here are some valuable pedestrian safety tips from the Tucson personal injury attorneys at Lerner and Rowe.
Determining Walkability in Your Neighborhood
If you or your children follow certain routes daily, it’s important to check their walkability. For younger children, checking routes to the bus stop or a friend’s house is critical. A little bit of preparation goes a long way towards pedestrian safety.
To determine walkability, think about these factors:
- Is there room to walk? Look for sidewalks, paths, and shoulders, ideally.
- Are streets easy to cross? Look for clearly marked crosswalks and traffic signals.
- Do drivers obey the laws? Are speeders frequent, and do drivers yield to pedestrians when directed?
- Is it easy for you or your child to follow safety rules? Can you easily be seen by drivers?
- Are streets well-lit at night? Wear reflective gear and carry lights.
If you answered “yes” to most of the questions, your neighborhood is likely walker-friendly. No to most of the questions, or mixed answers? Your community might need to make some improvements.
How Can You Improve Walkability?
If your neighborhood doesn’t have sidewalks or clearly marked crosswalks, you can speak up at town board meetings or petition the city to develop a safe walking route. Additionally, report drivers that are speeding or parked illegally. Make the media aware of the issue, especially if children are at risk. Speaking up could prevent a serious pedestrian accident.
Tucson Personal Injury Attorneys Available 24/7
Injured by a car while walking? Call our effective and experienced personal injury attorneys. Insurance companies will not be on your side, so you want highly experienced attorneys in Arizona fighting for you.Medical bills, lost wages, painful recoveries, and even death are possible after an accident. The Tucson personal injury attorneys at Lerner & Rowe are open 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, but we are available 24/7 to take your call at 520-977-1900 and through the Internet via LiveChat. We offer free consultations and are here for you day or night.