Pedestrian Accidents: Prevention With Crosswalks

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Always use the crosswalk. That is what we are taught from a young age, as if a crosswalk is a magical thing that can protect us from all harm. As pedestrians, all we can do is follow the rules of the road and pray. All too often, that isn’t enough.

A devastating story out of San Diego makes clear just how vulnerable we are, and no one is more vulnerable when crossing the street than a small child. On March 2nd, 2015, a father was pushing his child across the street in a stroller when both were struck by an SUV. The seven-month-old baby was taken to the hospital, where she died the next day. The driver of the car claimed not to see the stroller because of a roadside obstruction, though investigators have yet to prove conclusively whether the driver’s vision was obstructed.

Pedestrian safety is very important and goes a long way to keeping us safe when we are walking, but flesh and blood will always be vulnerable to steel. Please, when you are out and about on foot, always:

  • Look both ways before crossing the street, even at a crosswalk
  • Follow the rules of the road in regard to going with traffic
  • Never cross against the light, even if no cars are visible
  • Be aware of any signs or other obstructions that might make it difficult for a vehicle to see you

Terrible tragedies occur every day, and there is nothing we can do to fully protect ourselves from them. If you or someone you love has been involved in an accident as a pedestrian, you already know what it is like to feel powerless. Lawmakers rarely prioritize pedestrian safety, being more concerned with the popular opinions of drivers. Please contact an attorney to help you explore your options for making walking safer for other pedestrians.

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Finz & Finz, P.C. is a New York and Long Island personal injury law firm based out of Mineola, NY. It was founded in 1984 and is highly rated, with many honors and awards of excellence.