How Pedestrians Can Protect Themselves During the Winter

 Posted on December 19, 2018 in Motor Vehicle Accidents

There are typically fewer pedestrians during the winter months, but winter conditions can make walking near streets more hazardous for those who brave the weather. Drivers bear most of the responsibility for preventing accidents involving pedestrians. As a pedestrian, you can take extra precautions to protect yourself and help drivers:

1. Visibility: Daylight hours are shorter during the winter, and the snow can make it harder for drivers to see you. Wear bright colors during the day and reflective clothing at night. Walk in well-lit areas. Your own vision may also be diminished by the conditions and your need to bundle up. Make sure you are able to see around you in order to avoid potential hazards.
2. Eye Contact: If you are at an intersection with a stopped vehicle, make eye contact with the driver before you cross. Do not assume that the driver notices you and knows that you plan to walk in front of the vehicle. By making eye contact, you are acknowledging that you see each other and understand who has the right-of-way.
3. Footwear: Have on boots or shoes that are appropriate for the conditions you will be walking through. Your footwear should protect your feet from being numbed by the cold and give you enough traction to walk on slick surfaces. Slipping in or near an intersection puts you at greater risk of being hit by a vehicle.
4. Stopping Time: Suddenly walking into an intersection forces a driver to react quickly. Vehicles need more time to stop in slick conditions, and slamming on the brakes may cause the driver to lose control. Be more cautious about when you enter an intersection because you know the driver may have difficulty stopping for you.
5. Staying Out of the Road: You may be tempted to walk in the street if you reach an area of sidewalk that has not been cleared of snow. However, walking in a driving lane puts you at much greater risk of being hit because drivers are not expecting pedestrians in the road. If the pedestrian walkway is impassable, you should find an alternate route that does not involve walking in the street.

Contact a Barrington Personal Injury Lawyer

Being cautious may not prevent a pedestrian injury in all cases, but it eliminates needless risks. Behaving recklessly may also mean that you share responsibility for the accident, which can lessen your award in a personal injury case. A Barrington, Illinois, personal injury attorney at Joseph M. Lucas & Associates, LLC, can help you receive compensation when you have been injured in a pedestrian accident. Schedule a consultation by calling 847-381-8700.

Source:

https://exchange.aaa.com/safety/pedestrian-safety/tips-pedestrian-safety/#.XBk6T89KiRs