The Most Common Pedestrian Accidents in Florida
States like Florida that have high tourist traffic tend to have many pedestrian accidents. Because of this, it is important to protect yourself as a pedestrian to avoid potential accidents. In 2015 it was estimated that around 5,000 pedestrians were killed in traffic accidents. In addition, 129,000 pedestrians sustained injuries related to traffic accidents.
Pedestrians who are involved in car accidents are at greater risk for injury or death because they are not enclosed or protected when they are outside, therefore causing them to take the brunt of the impact physically. These types of injuries can be life-changing, and it’s why every pedestrian in Florida needs to be cautious and try to avoid these accidents at all costs.
Here at the 8 most common causes for pedestrian accidents in Florida:
- Rolling stops or a failure to stop at an intersection
- Excessive Speeding
- Poor intersection design or upkeep
- Reckless driving
- Distracted driving
- Passing a stopped school bus/school zone accident
- Drunk driving
- Pedestrian negligence
A pedestrian is someone who is using the walkways or roadways and not using a vehicle. This includes:
- Walkers
- Runners
- Joggers
- Bicyclists
- Roller skates
- Segway riders
Florida is known as a vacation destination, which means there are many spots where pedestrian accidents can happen. Tourist spots, neighborhoods, and school zones are the spots where pedestrian accidents most frequently happen.
When you are walking around as a pedestrian, there are many ways you can protect yourself and others. Here are some tips on how to avoid an accident while enjoying sunny Florida:
- Never run out between cars. – If you need to cross the street, do it at a designated crosswalk. At crosswalks or intersections, you are more visible to passing vehicles.
- Wear light colored clothes or carry a light. – If you are walking around at night it is important to make sure you are visible. Dark clothing can blend into the road and camouflage you. Light colored clothing reflects the light of incoming vehicles. Carrying a light also increases your visibility.
- Never make assumptions. – “Pedestrian laws” that give people the right to cross the street can often cause more accidents than prevent them. Even if you have the right, that doesn’t mean they will yield. Always make sure that oncoming traffic is at a stop or going to stop before you begin to move.
If you have been injured in a pedestrian accident, you can face serious or life-altering injuries. It’s important to seek skilled legal representation from a local personal injury attorney near you as soon as possible following the accident.
If you need an experienced Riverview pedestrian accident attorney to represent you, or need legal counsel, contact us today!