Maryland is a beautiful state with plenty of scenic routes, and it’s no wonder that many people choose to walk and bike as a mode of transportation. However, as a pedestrian, you are at a higher risk of being involved in an accident with a motor vehicle. To ensure your safety on the roads, here are some tips to help prevent pedestrian accidents in Maryland.
Always Use Crosswalks: One of the best ways to avoid pedestrian accidents is to use designated crosswalks when crossing the street. Crosswalks are specifically designed for pedestrians to cross the street safely,
and drivers are more likely to anticipate and yield to pedestrians in these areas.
Follow Traffic Signals: When crossing the street, always obey traffic signals. Wait for the pedestrian signal to turn green before crossing, and do not start crossing the street if the signal is flashing or counting down. Additionally, always look both ways before crossing, even if you have the right of way.
Wear Bright Clothing: When walking or biking, wear bright clothing that is easily visible to drivers. This is especially important at night or in low light conditions when visibility is poor. Reflective clothing or accessories can also help increase your visibility.
Avoid Distractions: When walking or biking, avoid distractions such as texting or listening to music with headphones. These distractions can prevent you from hearing or seeing oncoming traffic, putting you at risk of an accident.
Walk Facing Traffic: If you have to walk on the road, always walk facing oncoming traffic. This way, you can see approaching vehicles and move out of the way if necessary.
Be Predictable: Make sure to walk in a predictable manner, so drivers can anticipate your movements. Avoid sudden movements or darting into traffic. Always make eye contact with drivers and signal your intentions when crossing the street or turning.
Stay Alert: Finally, always stay alert when walking or biking. Be aware of your surroundings, and look out for potential hazards, such as uneven pavement or debris on the sidewalk. Avoid walking or biking while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Walk in Groups: If possible, walk with a group of people, especially at night. Not only will you be more visible to drivers, but you will also be less vulnerable to potential threats.
Use Sidewalks: Whenever possible, use sidewalks to avoid walking on the road. If there are no sidewalks available, walk as far to the side of the road as possible and face oncoming traffic.
Educate Children: Children are more vulnerable to pedestrian accidents, so it’s essential to educate them on pedestrian safety. Teach them to look both ways before crossing the street, use crosswalks, and always walk with an adult if they are too young to walk alone.
Watch for Turning Vehicles: Always watch out for turning vehicles when crossing the street. Drivers may not see you, especially if they are turning right, so be extra cautious when crossing the street.
Be Visible at Night: If you must walk at night, wear reflective clothing and carry a flashlight. This will make you more visible to drivers, and you will be able to see potential hazards on the road.
Use Pedestrian Bridges: If there is a pedestrian bridge available, use it instead of crossing the road. Pedestrian bridges are designed for pedestrians to cross the road safely, and they can help reduce the risk of pedestrian accidents.
Be Patient: Finally, be patient when crossing the street. Wait for the traffic to stop, and do not try to rush across the road. It’s better to arrive safely than to risk an accident by rushing.
Pedestrian accidents can be prevented by following these simple safety tips. By using crosswalks, obeying traffic signals, wearing bright clothing, avoiding distractions, walking facing traffic, being predictable, staying alert, walking in groups, using sidewalks, educating children, watching for turning vehicles, being visible at night, using pedestrian bridges, and being patient, you can help ensure your safety on the roads. Always remember to stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings, and prioritize your safety above all else.
At Alpert Schreyer, LLC, we are committed to promoting pedestrian safety in Maryland and helping those who have been involved in pedestrian accidents. Our experienced attorneys can provide legal representation and help accident victims recover compensation for their damages. We understand that pedestrian accidents can be devastating, and we are dedicated to making Maryland a safer place for pedestrians.
In addition, we have created a Safe Pedestrian Program to provide free safety gear to pedestrians in Maryland. By doing so, we hope to promote pedestrian safety and prevent accidents from occurring in the first place.
If you or a loved one has been involved in a pedestrian accident in Maryland, we encourage you to contact us for a free consultation. We can provide you with the legal representation you need to recover compensation and navigate the complex legal system. At Alpert Schreyer, LLC, we are here to help you during this difficult time.