Asatryan Law
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Asatryan Law
Call
818-208-0000
For A Free Consultation
Representing the injured in California and Nevada

Looking before crossing is just the start of pedestrian safety

Your preferred mode of transportation may be driving, but everyone is a pedestrian at some time or another. You may walk to a store, the park or even just around your neighborhood. Unfortunately, thousands of pedestrians die each year in traffic crashes.

You probably learned at a young age that looking both ways before crossing the street can prevent you getting hit by a car. While looking before crossing is still valuable, it is sometimes not enough to keep pedestrians safe. By incorporating several safe habits into your walk, you can reduce your chance of being hit by a car.

Be mindful about who has the right-of-way

In California, many pedestrians and motorists mistakenly believe that pedestrians always have the right-of-way. Pedestrians do have the right-of-way when crossing in a marked or unmarked crosswalk. However, when you are walking on the road anywhere other than a marked or unmarked crosswalk, you are responsible for yielding to the vehicles close enough to be an immediate hazard. If you are between intersections that have traffic signals or that are controlled by police officers, you legally cannot cross anywhere other than a crosswalk.

Walk in a predictable way

Most drivers drive slower in areas where they expect to see pedestrians. This allows drivers to stop quickly if needed to avoid a collision. However, drivers may not be prepared to stop in places where they do not expect to encounter pedestrians, so walking in a predictable way can help you avoid a possible collision. One way to be predictable is to walk on the sidewalk when one is available and walk facing traffic when a sidewalk is not available. It may also be advantageous to avoid dashing out into the street or stumbling off a curb mid-block. It is also important to obey all signs and signals intended for pedestrians, and cross at crosswalks or intersections.

Avoid distractions

Most motorists are aware that distractions can be deadly when driving, but many pedestrians are not aware that those same distractions still pose a risk when traveling on foot. If you are looking down at your cellphone, you might not see uneven pavement in front of you or a car turning into your path. If you are using headphones to listen to music, you might not hear a bicycle or car approaching from behind you. Keeping your eyes and ears on the traffic around you can help you react as fast as possible to prevent possible collisions.

Although you are responsible to behave safely when walking, motorists are also responsible for behaving safely. If a driver’s reckless actions injure you while you are walking, it may be appropriate to seek justice. You may be able to receive compensation for medical and other expenses related to your injury.

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