America is famous for being a car-friendly country. Unfortunately, this tag equates to a high number of pedestrian deaths. Almost 8,000 pedestrians died as a result of car accidents in 2022.
Memphis, Tennessee, known as the home of rock ‘n’ roll, is not free of accidents either. In fact, it ranks among the worst places in the country for pedestrian accidents. If you ever find yourself in an accident, the best pedestrian accident attorneys in Memphis will give you all the assistance you need to get fair compensation.
TopDog Law is one of the best firms in the country to get legal assistance. It has a network of local attorneys across the country who can provide you with the advice you need in dealing with anything legal, including car accidents, medical malpractice, and more.
Tips pedestrians can follow to prevent accidents
Pedestrians aren’t solely responsible for accidents all the time. But following some precautions can reduce the risk of being involved in one.
Don’t use your phone when you’re walking
A major cause of pedestrian accidents is distraction – usually, people on their phones. Listening to music while you’re walking or talking on the phone can distract you from your surroundings. You may fail to notice an approaching car or stop in time at an intersection.
Avoid using your phone when you’re walking down a road. It can save your life.
Follow the rules
It is important for pedestrians to follow the rules of the road – whether that’s stopping at a red light or using the sidewalk. When pedestrians follow the rules, it leads to fewer accidents.
An example of following the rules is using areas designated for pedestrians. When pedestrians use sidewalks or stick to areas that are car free, it reduces the risk of them getting involved in an accident.
Stay alert to your surroundings
Pay attention to your surroundings. Be sure to stop at intersections and check for cars before crossing the road. This ensures that you don’t walk into the path of an oncoming car.
Make sure you walk in well-lit areas so that drivers can see you. Walk against the flow of traffic so that you can see oncoming traffic. Watch out for cars in places like driveways, because a driver may just be driving out toward the road.
Tips for drivers to prevent pedestrian accidents
There are a few tips drivers can follow to reduce the number of pedestrian accidents. They are listed below.
- Always pay attention to the road. You never know when someone can come rushing onto the road.
- Stick to the speed limit. This gives you enough room to stop should you encounter an obstacle on the road.
- Be sure to stop at intersections and crosswalks.
- Let pedestrians pass at designated areas like crosswalks.
- Never drive inebriated.
- Don’t get distracted while you’re driving. E.g., texting while driving.
- Follow the right of way laws.
- Practice defensive driving.
- Be extra cautious in pedestrian zones like schools.
Pedestrian accident statistics you should know
- 1-in-6 people who died in crashes in 2021 were pedestrians.
- There were over 100,000 emergency room visits for pedestrians in road accidents in 2020.
- The higher the speed of a car, the higher the likelihood of a pedestrian being hit by the car.
- Adults over 65 are at a higher risk of being involved in accidents.
- SUVs cause more harm to people on foot due to their size and weight.
Conclusion
In conclusion, pedestrian accidents occur at a high rate in the United States. It is essential for both pedestrians and drivers to be extra cautious on the road. Staying alert and following the rules can prevent a lot of accidents.
