On average, every 74 minutes, someone is killed in a pedestrian accident. In cities like San Francisco, where walking is often unavoidable, learning key pedestrian safety tips can help save lives. October is National Pedestrian Safety Month. In this post, we share the dangers Bay Area pedestrians face, how people can stay safe while walking, how drivers can help increase pedestrian safety, and what to do if you or a loved one has been hit while walking.
Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents
California has the highest rate of pedestrian deaths in the nation, with losses almost 25% higher than the national average. On San Francisco’s busy streets, where pedestrians face heavy traffic and crowded sidewalks, an average of three people per day are hit while walking.
The most common causes of pedestrian accidents include:
- Speeding
- Driving under the influence
- Distracted driving or walking
- Failure to yield
- Poorly designed roads
Unlike drivers, pedestrians have little protection when a vehicle strikes them. Even a crash at relatively low speed can result in broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, and even death. As pedestrian safety has become an increasing concern, the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency and Walk San Francisco have advocated for changes designed to make streets safer for everyone in the Bay Area. These efforts include car-free zones, protected bike lanes, and lower speed limits.
While infrastructure improvements can help reduce accidents, everyone has a role to play in keeping pedestrians safe. Whether you are walking, biking, skating, or driving, following basic safety practices can help protect you and those around you.
How Pedestrians Can Stay Safe on the Road
The California Office of Traffic Safety recommends several steps pedestrians can take to stay safe near roadways.
Pedestrians should:
- Always use crosswalks.
- Look both ways before crossing.
- Make eye contact with drivers.
- Put away distractions, including headphones and cell phones.
- Stay sober while walking, biking, or skating near roads.
- Always use sidewalks.
- Stay visible with bright or reflective clothing.
How Drivers Can Help
Drivers have an equally important responsibility to remain alert and operate their vehicles safely. These simple steps can reduce the risk of hitting a pedestrian.
Drivers should always:
- Yield at crosswalks.
- Be prepared to stop for pedestrians.
- Obey speed limits.
- Drive sober.
- Put away phones.
- Drive with extra caution in low-visibility conditions or at night.
- Drive with extra caution near schools, bus stops, and neighborhoods.
These tips are especially important around Halloween, when more children and families may be walking near roads after dark. Parents can also teach children basic pedestrian safety, including how to use crosswalks, watch for vehicles, and remain visible.
When safety efforts fail, and negligent drivers, distracted pedestrians, or inadequate crosswalk safety features cause an accident, there are ways to protect your legal rights and ensure you are compensated for what you’ve been through.
Hit By A Car While Walking? What You Should Know
Even when pedestrians and drivers take precautions, serious accidents can still happen. If you or a loved one are hit by a car while walking, these essential first steps can help you protect yourself and your right to file a legal claim.
After a pedestrian accident, you should:
- Seek medical attention right away.
- If possible, document the accident scene, the car that hit you, and your injuries.
- Obtain contact information from any witnesses.
- Keep records of medical treatment, accident expenses, and lost wages.
- Avoid making statements to insurers.
- Speak with a pedestrian accident attorney.
Pedestrian accident claims often involve catastrophic injuries, liability issues, and significant long-term damages. An experienced pedestrian accident attorney can help by investigating the circumstances of the crash, identifying all liable parties, and presenting evidence to prove the full impact of your injuries.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian accident, our San Francisco-based law firm is here to help. Bostwick & Associates has handled thousands of personal injury cases resulting from negligence and can guide you through your legal options.
Contact Bostwick & Associates today for a free consultation.
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