Pedestrian Safety This Fall

As New Haven personal injury lawyers, we see  pedestrian accidents often. While traveling on foot is potentially dangerous all year round, it’s particularly risky during the autumn weeks and months when daylight is limited and precipitation is a common occurrence. Here are some tips to stay safe as a pedestrian this fall:

• Mind the crosswalk. It should go without saying that using crosswalks is the safest way to cross the street. However, you shouldn’t assume that just because you’re in a crosswalk means you’re not at risk of being struck by a car. Vehicles have blind spots, and drivers may not be able to see you if the lighting is dim, in unclear weather, or they simply aren’t looking out for pedestrians, so you should always be on high alert and walk defensively when crossing.
• Don’t walk and text. When navigating busy intersections, your mind needs to be completely focused on looking for cars and making sure it’s safe to cross the road. If you need to send a text, do so from the safety of the sidewalk, NOT while you’re walking in the street.
• Safely navigate areas without designated pedestrian paths. If you encounter a situation in which you have no choice but to walk on the street, you should always travel in the opposite direction of traffic so that oncoming motorists can see you (and you can see them). If you need to get to the other side of the street and there is no marked crosswalk, our New Haven personal injury lawyers recommends finding the most well-lit spot possible to do so.
• Go bold. As a pedestrian, you should take steps to make yourself as visible as possible to drivers, especially when walking at dawn, dusk or nighttime. Wear brightly colored, reflective clothing and travel in groups whenever possible.

If you or a loved one is injured as a pedestrian, call the New Haven personal injury lawyers at The LoRicco Law Firm. Our team will help you navigate your claim and protect your long term interests.