At the beginning of 2018, a pedestrian was killed in an accident in Hayes Township in Clare County. The accident occurred when the pedestrian was walking across a street and struck by a vehicle. Fortunately, a second pedestrian who was crossing the road at the time was not injured in the accident. The pedestrian was pronounced dead at the scene of the accident by law enforcement. At the moment, the exact cause of the accident is still under investigation.
Not only are pedestrian accidents often deadly because pedestrians lack the protection that motor vehicle drivers have, pedestrian accidents also occur at an alarming rate. Statistics compiled by the USDOT reveal that in 2015 there were 70,000 pedestrians injured in accidents, which marked a substantial increase from the 61,000 pedestrians injured in accidents in 2006. As a result, all pedestrians in Michigan should understand some of the important safety tips that can keep you from being seriously injured while walking across the road.
Give Drivers Enough Time to Stop
It is critical to use caution when crossing intersections and streets because there is a risk that drivers might not have enough time to stop their vehicles. If you plan on crossing the road as a pedestrian, before doing so, you should make sure that any nearby vehicles have a sufficient amount of time to stop.
Remain Aware of Blind Spots
Many motor vehicle accidents occur because pedestrians end up in blind spots and can not be seen by other drivers on the road. To reduce the risk of these accidents, it is critical to remain cautious when walking around vehicle blind spots. Never make the assumption that a driver can spot you unless you have made eye contact with a driver and the driver has acknowledged your presence.
Use Walkways Whenever Possible
Walk on walkways whenever you can and limit the time you spend in the road. You should make sure to keep a safe distance when standing on street corners from being struck by any vehicle that might make too wide a turn.
Wear Bright Clothing
Unfortunately, many motor vehicle accidents occur because drivers are unable to see people on the road. The best way to make sure that you remain visible to motor vehicle drivers is to wear bright or reflective clothing, particularly if you are walking on the road at night.
Contact A Lawyer
If you or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian accident, you have likely been left to face a large number of serious consequences including large medical bills, lost wages, and emotional suffering. Fortunately, the legal team at Jay Trucks PLC understands just how devastating these accidents can be and will remain committed to fighting for the compensation that you deserve. Contact our law office today to schedule an initial free consultation with a Flint personal injury attorney during which time we will discuss your various available options. Ph: (989) 601-2554.