Driving in Brooklyn can be a real hassle, and some people do not want to take a taxi or the subway to get where they need to go. Many New Yorkers find that simply walking to their destinations is their preferred means of travel. However, being a pedestrian carries the risk that you could be struck by a careless driver.
The scope of the auto-pedestrian accident problem in our nation
Unfortunately, auto-pedestrian are all-too-common in the U.S. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there were 6,283 pedestrian fatalities in 2018, the most fatalities since 1990. In 2017, on average a pedestrian lost their lives in an auto accident every 88 minutes. Given that we are all pedestrians at some point, these statistics are very sobering indeed.
Tips for driving safely around pedestrians
There are some measures motorists can take to avoid causing an auto-pedestrian accident. First, motorists should always be on the lookout for pedestrians. Motorists should also exercise due care when it is difficult to see, for example during bad weather or at night.
When entering a crosswalk or turning at an intersection or into a parking lot, motorists should slow down and prepare to stop. When a pedestrian is in a crosswalk, motorists should stop a safe distance back from the crosswalk and yield to the pedestrian’s right of way.
Motorists should avoid drunk driving, distracted driving and speeding, especially in school zones and neighborhoods where children may be outside. Finally, before reversing motorists should always check behind them to ensure there are no pedestrians in their path.
Learn more about auto-pedestrian accidents
Ultimately it is up to motorists to responsibly share the road with pedestrians. Pedestrians who are struck by a car can be seriously injured or even killed. When that happens, they may want to learn more about their legal rights and options. Our firm’s webpage on motor vehicle accidents may be a useful resource to those who want more information on this topic.