Many people around #Atlanta take to walking when the warmer months hit. They walk their kids to school, walk to work, and some even walk to run errands. Walking easily takes the stress off of fighting the traffic and simply gives a change of scenery. Although it is a more environmentally friendly transportation choice, pedestrian accidents are very common around the city. As a pedestrian, you are highly vulnerable to drivers around you. As opposed to when you are in a vehicle, there is no protection when you are a pedestrian. This is why pedestrian accidents are so often traumatic. There are a few things that pedestrians and motorists alike can do to prevent these catastrophic accidents from happening.
Pedestrians
Use sidewalks and walking paths when they are available.
Stay alert! Put away distractions, such as your cell phone. This will help you watch out for your own safety.
Use crosswalks instead of jaywalking. Drivers know to look for pedestrians at crosswalks. They do not expect pedestrians to be in the middle of the road, so therefore, jaywalking increases your chance of getting hit. According to the Georgia Code, however, jaywalking” is not a legal term. In fact, crossing the street outside of a crosswalk is perfectly LEGAL in most places, as long as the pedestrians yield to traffic. For your safety, using a crosswalk is highly advised.
Never assume that someone sees you. Watch to make sure a driver is going to stop before crossing the road.
Motorists:
Always stop for pedestrians that are in crosswalks. It’s illegal for drivers to squeeze by, drive around or cut off a pedestrian in a crosswalk, even if there’s room. Do not yield, STOP.
When approaching a crosswalk, look for pedestrians before proceeding.
Avoid distractions. Just like pedestrians, drivers should avoid distractions while driving as well so that their eyes are always on the road. Per the Georgia Hands-Free Law, a driver should not be using their phone while driving.
Never pass vehicles that are stopped at a crosswalk, as they are likely stopped to let a pedestrian cross.
When you are turning at a green light, drivers must stop and wait for pedestrians to cross the adjacent crosswalks.
If you are ever involved in an accident as a pedestrian, be sure to contact an experienced accident attorney like those at Kaufman Law to get the compensation you deserve.