Safety Precautions for Pedestrians
Taking a walk can be invigorating after work or a great way to exercise. You may have a walking destination, or you might take a stroll through your neighborhood.
However, whenever you choose to travel on foot, you should keep in mind important safety precautions for pedestrians to avoid being harmed by a motorist or other party.
Important Tips for Responsible Pedestrians
A walk around can be good for both cardiovascular health and mood. The state has implemented laws for pedestrians that, coupled with common precautions, will help walkers get around safely.
Pedestrians After Dark Should Call Attention to Themselves
When walking at night, individuals who wear light clothing and reflective strips attached to a backpack or shoes can easily alert nearby drivers and promote safety for all parties. An individual could also carry a flashlight to increase his or her own visibility and signal nearby motorists.
Follow Signals and Use Sidewalk and Crosswalks
The Ohio Revised Code mandates that pedestrians follow all traffic signals and use sidewalks and crosswalks when available rather than walking on the roadway. Pedestrians who are not using a crosswalk must yield the right of way to motorists.
Staying Alert to Potential Hazards
Even when crossing cautiously with a traffic sign in a crosswalk, pedestrians must stay vigilantly alert to avoid possible accidents with a car. Some motorists might not be driving safely, so it is important to do so as the pedestrian, especially when crossing the road.
Pedestrians Must Obey State Law
The Ohio Revised Code goes beyond pedestrian tips and specifies laws the state legislature has enacted to keep individuals safe. In addition to using crosswalks, yielding the right of way outside of crosswalks, and obeying traffic signals, pedestrians must:
- Stay off of freeways, unless walking for help after breaking down
- Yield the right of way to public safety vehicles
- Refrain from hitchhiking
- Refrain from tossing hazards on the road or sidewalk, such as glass, wire, or tacks
- Obey railroad and drawbridge signals
By abiding by safety tips and state law, pedestrians should do everything they can to avoid accidents. However, accidents caused by a careless motorist can happen. Under these circumstances, the injured pedestrian should contact a local attorney to explore his or her legal options of filing a claim or lawsuit to seek damages incurred in the accident.
When Motorists Injure Pedestrians
If a pedestrian was injured by a careless driver, he or she must prove negligence for a successful claim. To prove negligence, the individual must show that the motorist breached the duty to drive responsibly and that failure to drive responsibly caused the accident that injured the individual.
Once proven, the plaintiff’s lawyer will ask for compensation suitable for the pedestrian’s needs during the healing process. Compensation can include the individual’s medical bills, lost present and future wages, loss of consortium, disfigurement, pain and suffering, and mental anguish.
Pedestrians Must Take Precautions While Walking
By following state law and sensible safety precautions, most pedestrians can safely enjoy walking through the city. However, in the event that you were injured while following safety precautions and state regulations, an attorney at Tittle & Perlmuter can help you file a claim against the negligent parties. Call at any time to schedule your free initial consultation.
