Walking and biking are great ways to travel in that they enable you to safeguard your health while doing your part to protect the environment from car pollution. Unfortunately, pedestrians and cyclists also face dangers not encountered by those riding in cars. In fact, a March report by the Governors Highway Safety Association revealed that the number of pedestrian deaths in 2018 was the highest in 28 years.

At the Law Office of Peter Briskin, we’re passionate about representing the victims of pedestrian accidents and ensuring they get the justice and financial compensation they deserve. However, we also want to do our part to prevent these incidents from occurring in the first place. Learn more about the dangers unique to pedestrians along with our tips for staying safe on a bike or on foot.

Causes of Pedestrian Accidents

There’s no one reason that travel is becoming more hazardous for pedestrians. According to the Governors Highway Safety Association report, various causes could be to blame, including alcohol and drugs. Additionally, today’s drivers are favoring larger vehicles, like SUVs and crossovers. So, when an accident occurs, the damage may be more profound than if the driver were in a sedan.

Additionally, phone usage affects how likely drivers are to be involved in an accident. Along with being distracted by phone calls and texts, drivers are increasingly playing games like Pokemon Go or using apps like Twitter while behind the wheel. All these activities may affect a driver’s visual, cognitive, and manual concentration and lead them to take their eyes off the road.

Staying Safe on the Road

Fortunately, there are steps pedestrians and cyclists can take to increase their safety on the road. Whether you’re walking or biking, opt to travel on safe routes with plenty of lighting. If you’re on foot, choose the road with sidewalks and make sure to cross the street at designated crosswalks. You can also wear bright clothes and use a flashlight or reflective jacket when traveling at night.

It’s also important for communities to make an effort to keep their residents safe on the go. Cities and towns should add sidewalks to areas with heavy pedestrian traffic and make sure streetlamps are in working order. Bike lanes can also provide cyclists with a safe route while minimizing traffic issues.

Finally, drivers can reduce their odds of getting in an accident by staying alert and attentive while on the road. If you need to use your phone, wear a hands-free device and refrain from texting. You can also protect pedestrians and cyclists by driving the speed limit at all times.

Contact Our Pedestrian Accident Attorneys Today

Based in New York and New Jersey, the Law Office of Peter Briskin recognizes that injuries to pedestrians are all too common. To that end, we strive to help victims of pedestrian and cycling accidents secure the money to which they are entitled. To learn more about how we can help, call today or contact our legal team online.