Pedestrian Safety Tips from San Francisco Personal Injury Lawyers
On December 3, a 65-year-old man and 64-year-old woman were injured in a hit-and-run collision in San Francisco. Both people were crossing the street when they were struck by a driver, who then fled the scene. Unfortunately, the man later died from his injuries. While drivers should watch for pedestrians, it is also important for pedestrians to be careful. Our personal injury lawyers in San Francisco would like to offer you some pedestrian safety tips.
- Whenever possible, use sidewalks rather than walking along the side of the street.
- When sidewalks are not available, walk as close to the edge of the road as possible, but never weave between cars parked along the side of the road. A driver may not see you.
- Use crosswalks when they are available. At intersections with lights for pedestrians, only cross the street when the lights indicate that it is safe to do so.
- Always look both ways before crossing the street, and never assume a driver is going to stop for you.
- Even when a driver has stopped, before crossing the street, make eye contact with the driver to ensure the driver has seen you.
- Wear bright colors so drivers can see you. This is especially important if you are walking after dark or in bad weather, where visibility is limited.
- For added safety, when traveling at night or in bad weather, wear reflective clothing.
- Call a cab or have a friend drive you home when you have been drinking a lot. Your judgement skills could be impaired, making it unsafe for you to walk home.
Unfortunately, drivers who collide with pedestrians are often not paying attention, and you could be injured even when you are being a cautious pedestrian. If you were injured by an inattentive driver, contact us. An experienced personal injury lawyer will provide you with a free initial consultation.