According to preliminary data from the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA), Arizona has the highest rate of pedestrian deaths in the United States. This is an increase from 2016 data, wherein Arizona had the third highest pedestrian death rate in the nation. Deaths have increased, from 197 pedestrian fatalities in 2016, to 224 deaths in 2017. The national average for pedestrian deaths in the United States is .81 deaths per 100,000 people. In Arizona, that rate is 1.61 deaths per 100,000 people – double the national average. All of the trends regarding pedestrian safety in our state are moving in the wrong direction.
At Miller Kory Rowe LLP, we have pedestrian accident attorneys ready to assist you in your case. Pedestrians should never be blamed for an accident between a car and a pedestrian, if the person on foot could be visualized by the driver. However, we can offer pedestrian safety tips we have learned over the years as we represent people who have had the misfortune of being involved in a pedestrian accident.
USE THE CROSSWALK
When you have the opportunity to do so, always use the crosswalk. This is the safest place to cross the street. When the intersection is controlled bytraffic signals, obey them. This includes being mindful of red lights and green lights, as well as walk and don’t walk signs.
CALL ATTENTION TO YOURSELF
If you are a regular walker, consider brightly colored clothing. If you walk at night, select reflective materials. If you regularly walk at night, purchase reflective tape to apply to your walking clothes. Light up armbands, and badges are also widely available for purchase. Carry a flashlight if it is dark, or the weather is stormy.
WALK SAFE
When a sidewalk is available, use it. When a sidewalk is not available, walk on the road, as far on the shoulder as possible. Additionally, when no sidewalk is available, walk facing traffic, not with traffic. Never, ever assume that a driver sees you. Make eye contact with drivers as they approach, don’t just look at the car itself. If a driver is texting, speaking to someone in the back seat, or is otherwise distracted, they may not see you. Further, do not presume the car approaching has a crash avoidance system to compensate for an inattentive driver. Those systems are imperfect even when in place.
At intersections controlled by a stoplight, look both ways and proceed with caution, even when the “walk” sign is illuminated. Do not walk with head phones on, or walk while on the phone. Noise from these activities could block the sounds of traffic. This could cost you your life.
REMEMBER WHAT YOU LEARNED IN KINDERGARTEN
Even as an adult, remember what you learned in kindergarten. Look both ways before crossing the street, first left, then right, then left again. Watch for vehicles that may be turning onto the street you are crossing. Scan all lanes you will be crossing, and make sure each lane is clear of moving traffic before proceeding. Just because one driver is stopped to allow you to cross doesn’t mean the drivers in the other lanes will also stop.
IF YOU HAVE LOST A LOVED ONE IN A PEDESTRIAN ACCIDENT
If you have lost a loved one in a pedestrian accident, or someone has been seriously injured, you need a law firm with pedestrian accident attorneys. Pedestrian accident attorneys focus on handling pedestrian deaths and injuries. At Miller Kory Rowe LLP, we have pedestrian accident attorneys ready to meet with you to discuss your family’s situation. Contact us today at (602) 648-4045.