Anytime pedestrians are walking in and around the roadways, there is a heightened safety risk. It is vital that both pedestrians and drivers take steps to minimize the risk of accidents. At Soloff & Zervanos, P.C., our Philadelphia pedestrian accident attorneys want to discuss safety tips for pedestrians and examine what the laws say about pedestrian traffic.
Safety is the key to preventing Philadelphia pedestrian accidents
When we look at statistics provided by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, we can see that there were 4,351 total pedestrian accidents during the latest reporting year across the Commonwealth. Out of these incidents, there were 201 fatalities and 4,090 injuries reported.
Pennsylvania takes pedestrian safety very seriously. Under state law, drivers must generally yield the right of way to pedestrians in all situations. Under Commonwealth law:
Drivers must yield the right of way to a pedestrian crossing the roadway even if there are no traffic signals in place and even if the pedestrian is at an unmarked crosswalk at an intersection.
Whenever a driver stopped at a crosswalk at an intersection or at any marked crosswalk that permits pedestrian traffic to cross the roadway, the driver of any vehicle approaching from the rear shall not pass the stopped vehicle.
Pedestrians must work to prevent accidents as well
While drivers should always be vigilant, pedestrians must also take steps to keep themselves safe when they are in and around the roadway. Some of the best ways to prevent pedestrian accidents include the following:
Always looking left, right, and then left again. Pedestrians should also continue to look both ways as they cross a road to ensure that there are no approaching dangers.
Minimizing distractions. More and more, we see pedestrians near the roadway with their faces glued to phone screens. This is incredibly dangerous behavior, and all pedestrians should be mindful of what is going on around them and not what is on their screen.
Listening to their surroundings. We understand that many people walk, jog, or run with headphones in. However, headphones prevent pedestrians from hearing approaching vehicles. Save the music and podcasts for appropriate areas, not while walking around traffic.
Using sidewalks and marked crosswalks. When they are available, pedestrians should always use sidewalks and marked crosswalks, as these areas are much safer and will prevent accidents from occurring.
Our team is ready to help
If you or somebody you care about has been injured in a pedestrian accident that was caused by the negligence of another driver, contact an attorney today. At Soloff & Zervanos, P.C., we are going to investigate every aspect of your case in order to secure the compensation you need. This can include:
Coverage of all pedestrian accident-related medical bills
Lost income if you are unable to work while recovering
Mental anguish damages
Loss of enjoyment of life damages
Possible punitive damages against a grossly negligent or malicious party
