What can pedestrians do to protect themselves?

Every year in New York and across the country, thousands of people die in auto-pedestrian accidents. Many more suffer injuries in such events. Sadly, some victims will find themselves being blamed for these incidents. There are things pedestrians can do to protect themselves from being hit by cars and being held accountable for their own losses.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has a list of basic walking safety tips it believes everyone should know. Will following these tips prevent all auto-pedestrian accidents? No, but they can certainly help reduce one’s chances of being hit by an automobile. Some of these tips are:

• Wear visible/light colored clothing — particularly if walking at night

• Avoid being distracted by electronic devices

• Always use crosswalks when they are available

• Obey traffic signals

• Avoid using impairing substances

• Never assume drivers will see or stop for pedestrians

There are several more which can be found on the NHTSA website. At the end of the day, all of the tips provided are about watching out for oneself. While there are some drivers who are vigilant about watching out for pedestrians, speeding, impaired driving and distracted driving — among other things — happen and all contribute to people getting injured or killed while out walking.

Sadly, too many people in New York are injured or killed in auto-pedestrian accidents every single year, despite their best efforts to keep themselves safe. If driver negligence is believed fully or even partially responsible for such incidents, the pedestrians or — in the event of fatality — their surviving family members may be entitled to seek compensation for their losses. Legal counsel will have the ability to review the details of one’s case and, if deemed appropriate, assist one in taking the actions needed to seek relief.