Whether you’re driving a vehicle, riding a bicycle, or walking, it is important to remember some safety tips that could save your life. At Pfeifer Law Firm, we are committed to helping you understand your roadway rights under Arkansas law and recover monetarily when you have been injured by someone else’s negligence, but we also strive to help answer questions and educate through our car accident, personal injury, road safety and rules of the road blogs. Do you ever wonder who has the right of way when you’re at an intersection? Do you ask yourself, Should I walk facing traffic or with the flow of traffic? Hopefully you will find these tips on road safety helpful to ensure your safety and the safety of those around you on the roadways.
Tips for Pedestrians on the Roadways
-Be safe and be seen: make yourself visible to drivers -Wear bright/light colored clothing
-Wear shoes and clothing with reflective materials -At night, cross in areas with adequate lighting -As you wait to cross, be sure to stand clear of hedges, parked cars or other obstacles
-Carry a flashlight when walking at night -Be alert -Always walk on the sidewalk; if there is no sidewalk, walk facing traffic – Don’t assume drivers will stop; make eye contact with the driver of the vehicle, don’t just look at the vehicle. If a driver is distracted by a child in the car or using a cell phone, they may not see you -Don’t rely solely on pedestrian signals; look before you cross the road -Be alert to vehicles that are backing up
-Obey the WALK/DON’T WALK signs -Be attentive and careful at street crossings -Cross at crosswalks, if possible -Obey WALK/DON’T WALK signs -Always look both ways before stepping into the roadway -Make sure the driver a turning vehicle sees you and will stop for you. Don’t assume he will stop -Look across ALL lanes you must cross before proceeding. Just because one motorist stops, do not assume all drivers in other lanes can see you
Safety tips for drivers
-Watch for pedestrians -Always be watchful of pedestrians waiting to cross the roadway -Before making a turn, look in all directions and be mindful of pedestrians crossing -Don’t drive distracted -Do not drive after drinking alcohol or consuming drugs that may affect your ability to operate a vehicle -Do not use your cell phone while driving -Texting while driving causes accidents. Do not text and drive -Watch for pedestrians while backing up. Children may be difficult to see, so pause prior to backing up, look carefully, then proceed
-Do not hang items from your rear view mirror. They could obstruct your view of a pedestrian or oncoming vehicle
-Yield to pedestrians at crosswalks -Yield to pedestrians in crosswalks, whether marked or unmarked -Yield to pedestrians when making right or left turns at intersections
Driving Safety
-drive the speed limit -avoid aggressive maneuvers -Use extra caution when children are nearby playing along the side of the street or when older pedestrians are present who may not see or hear you -Always be prepared to stop for pedestrians -Never pass/overtake a vehicle that is stopped for pedestrians
The Pfeifer Law Firm is here to answer any questions you may have regarding road safety. If you have been the victim of a pedestrian accident, please call 501-374-4440 or email us today for a free consultation. There are Arkansas laws that specifically deal with pedestrian accidents and insurance coverage for payment of medical bills that all injured pedestrians should be aware. Contact an Arkansas Pedestrian Accident Lawyer today.