Road accidents are a tremendous burden and daily disaster that emergency services, families, communities and countries face. It has taken so many lives that an annual observance – World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims which takes place every November – has been created to commemorate the lost lives and advocate for road safety and accident prevention.
Road accident is accounted to both pedestrians and drivers. During driving lessons and driving license application, drivers get proper awareness on how to drive safely. However, this does not go similarly with pedestrians – a person travelling on the road on foot rather than in a vehicle. This is because pedestrians do not present as much hazard as a vehicle and who are more vulnerable than vehicles. Despite the given fact, pedestrians can still cause danger to drivers which could also result to road accident and death. If you are on the road, either by foot or wheels, you are accountable for your safety and others around you.
Here are some of the most common causes of pedestrian-caused road accidents that could be prevented.
DISTRACTED PEDESTRIAN
This is one of the easiest to prevent. Pedestrians who are not focused on the road can cause accident. Keep in mind to always cross the road only when the pedestrian signal tells you to. If no signal is present, look to your right and left and make sure that it is safe to cross and no running vehicle is close by before you cross the road.
CELL PHONE
Countries across the globe have placed penalty to any driver who is caught using their mobile phones while driving. The same reason applies to pedestrians as cell phones takes away your focus on the road and cause distraction. Skip that message or Instagram story and view them when you are settled on a safe location.
JAYWALKING
Patience is a virtue. Take a few more steps to reach the nearest crosswalk or wait a few more seconds until that pedestrian light turns green. Do not cross when the traffic signal turns red. Some reckless drivers would beat the red light. Hence, you should only cross the road when the cars completely stopped and the pedestrian signal is green.
POOR VISION
Bad weather and the darkness of the night can both affect the vision of drivers and pedestrians. Pedestrians need to be extra alert during these situations. It is best to carefully view the road before crossing. Also, waving your hand to an approaching vehicle could help drivers see you better.
LOOKING WHILE WALKING
When you look at your left and right, you need to be still. Make sure not to look around you when you are walking as moving your head can disrupt your attention. Better to look around you and make your move after ensuring that all is safe. Doing this can also prevent accidents for pedestrians who are behind a car because during reversing, drivers may rely on the rear-view mirror which may not be as safe as looking behind thus, a pedestrian who remain cautious and alert is always safer.
DRUNK PEDESTRIAN
Drunk pedestrians are as dangerous as drunk drivers. Alcohol will make you lose focus hence, putting you in harm.
Your safety lies on you. It may not be 100% your responsibility on roads, but you can always do something to reduce your risk of being hurt.
Source:
The Advocates injury Attorneys