7 Pedestrian Safety Tips to Keep You Safe This Summer

With summer in full swing, many Washington residents are beginning to enjoy their favorite outdoor pastimes, from camping and hiking to beach days and family strolls. While these activities are fun, it is important to remember that pedestrian accidents can still occur. This summer, stay safe while walking by keeping the following safety tips in mind.

#1: Don’t Assume a Driver Can See You

While walking, never assume that drivers can see you, even during daylight hours. Some drivers may be too distracted to pay attention to the road, leading to a serious collision. Instead, remain aware of your surroundings and attempt to make eye contact with drivers as they approach you. 

#2: Wear Bright and Reflective Clothing

As a pedestrian, it is important to be as visible as possible—even during bright summer days. To stand out to drivers while walking, try to wear bright or reflective clothing and avoid darker garments. If you are walking at night, carry a flashlight with you to further alert drivers to your location. 

#3: Cross in a Safe Location

Always use a crosswalk or intersection to cross the street. Jaywalking not only increases your risk of an accident, but it may impact your ability to recover compensation in the event of a collision. If a crosswalk or intersection is not available, wait for a safe gap in the flow of traffic and cross the street in a well-lit area.

#4: Do Not Walk Under the Influence

Alcohol and drugs impact your judgement, concentration, motor skills, and coordination, all of which are important for walking safely. To avoid collisions, avoid alcohol and drugs when walking. If you need to get home after a night out, call a rideshare or use a taxi service for a safer trip. 

#5: Use a Sidewalk or Walking Path

When walking around Washington, always use a sidewalk or walking path when available. Never walk in the street; this can increase your risk of a collision. If these paths are not available, walk as close as possible to the shoulder of the road while facing traffic. This will increase your visibility of oncoming traffic and make it easier for vehicles to spot you. 

#6: Avoid Distractions

Electronic devices such as smartphones or media players can take your eyes and ears off of the road. If you are using these devices while walking, you could accidentally step into traffic or fail to see a driver approaching an intersection, leading to a collision. While walking, always stay alert and avoid these common distractions. 

#7: Watch Out for Exiting Vehicles

Accidents not only happen at crosswalks and intersections—driveways, alleys, and parking lots can also be very dangerous places for pedestrians. While you are walking in these areas, keep an eye out for vehicles that are exiting, entering, or backing out of parking spaces. 

Additional Information:

• When Can a Pedestrian Be at Fault?
• Who is at Fault for a Jaywalking Accident?
• Compensation Available in a Pedestrian Accident

What to Do If You Are in a Pedestrian Accident

While these tips can help you stay safe, a careless driver may cause a pedestrian accident. In these situations, it is important to remain calm, seek medical attention as soon as possible, and contact a Seattle pedestrian accident attorney for assistance. Depending on the circumstances surrounding the collision, you may have grounds for an insurance claim or lawsuit against the negligent driver. After you receive treatment, contact a lawyer to discuss your next steps.