Dangerous Distractions Are Not Just For Driving, Avoid New Haven Pedestrian Accidents While Distracted Walking

It’s hard to escape the world talking about distracted driving and how it is dangerous for you when you’re behind the wheel. There is no doubt this is true and certainly is a topic that should be discussed, but there is also something happening among those who are walking throughout our city. People who are walking and are distracted are leading to more and more New Haven pedestrian accidents because they can’t avoid the distractions that come when they are navigating the city streets. These distractions can be just as deadly as being distracted while you’re driving. While it doesn’t get talked about enough, it is important to shine a light on this dangerous trend.

One of the most important things you can do if you’re walking or jogging through the Elm City is to make sure you follow all of the traffic rules. Use a crosswalk when you’re going to be crossing the street. Make sure you follow posted signs and traffic lights that tell you when it is ok to cross the street and when you need to wait. Do not take it upon yourself to navigate the busy city streets alone and without the guidance of these traffic measures because if you do you could be putting yourself at grave risk of getting into an accident, even if you are paying close attention to your path forward.

Once you’ve got it down to a science that you’re navigating the city streets using the appropriate signage and rules of the road then you need to lock down your focus. So many of us are distracted all day every day, but when you’re walking or jogging in a busy city these distractions can be harmful to your well-being. In fact, being distracted while you’re a pedestrian can put you at risk with each and every step you take. There is no way to reduce the affect that distractions have on you when you are walking or jogging, so the only thing you can do is eliminate the distractions that may be putting you at risk in the first place. While this is easier said then done, the first thing you need to do to eliminate these distractions is to understand what they are.

1.) Your phone. The distraction of all distractions. How many times have you heard someone say, well I just got a text message or this is an important email I have to look over. It happens all the time. When it happens the phone becomes the primary focus of the person who is using it and they stop paying attention to the path way in front of them. When this happens they are putting themselves at risk of getting struck by a vehicle or another pedestrian. The best thing to do when you’re walking or jogging through the city streets is to keep your phone in your pocket or a purse until you arrive at your destination. If you absolutely must check your phone then you should find a place to stop along the way, pull your phone out, check it and then put it away when you’re ready to get back to your route.

2.) Music. We all love to have a little bit of music playing to give us a pep in our step while we’re walking or jogging, but the truth is loud music can be a significant distraction. This becomes especially important to be aware of when you’re moving throughout a busy street. If you have music playing you may be missing the sounds of the city like a horn honking at you to warn you of an impending danger or the hydraulic brakes of a large vehicle that could be coming to a stop nearby. If you miss these audio clues you could be putting yourself at risk of getting into an accident. The best thing you can do is to skip the music until you are out of the most crowded section of the city or if you choose to continue to listen to music make sure you keep the volume down so you can hear the sounds of the city around you.

3.) A heavy load. How distracting can a heavy load be? If you’re carrying a backpack that is overloaded and is weighing you down it can be quite distracting and it can also affect your ability to balance and avoid on-coming hazards. Similarly if you’re carrying an over sized and heavy box you may find yourself having difficulty focusing on the sidewalk in front of you. If you can avoid carrying a heavy load and find a different way to transport the items to their destination you should do this. If you must carry the load yourself you should take it slow and not take any risks like crossing a crosswalk when the countdown tells you you only have one or two seconds left to cross. Be patient and don’t let the over sized load impact your safety.

When you’re navigating the busy streets of a city you will want to make sure you are taking all the precautions you can to help avoid a New Haven pedestrian accident. While not all accidents can be avoided you can take time to understand how your actions could contribute to your risk and take the actions necessary to avoid these distractions. If you are careful and intentional about planning for your path through the city you will be putting yourself in a good position to stay safe and avoid any harm.

Unfortunately you can plan all you want, but sometimes accidents do happen and people get injured and sometimes property gets damaged. In the event that this were to happen you may want to contact an attorney who has experience with situations like the one you may have experienced. Our office will speak with you about your situation and work with you to protect your long-term interests.