In Alabama, approximately 620 pedestrians were hit by drivers in 2024 alone. Similarly, traffic crashes are said to be one of the leading causes of death amongst teenagers between the ages of 15 and 18. With this in mind, the dangers of the road become increasingly clear. Knowing how to stay safe as both a driver and a pedestrian is more important now than ever.
Staying safe as a driver
You will need to do more than buckle your seatbelt and keep your eyes on the road if you want to stay safe. One of the biggest parts of safe driving is communicating with other drivers, whether it be through signals or eye contact. When on the road, you should:
- Always use turn signals
- Be mindful of blind spots
- Adjust your driving depending on visibility and weather
- Drive defensively and make eye contact
- Follow speed limits
- Avoid driving when tired or inebriated
Always follow the rules of the road to minimize the risk of collisions. If you ignore your surroundings, you will endanger not only other drivers but also pedestrians within the area.
Staying safe as a pedestrian
If you find yourself walking down the street, you are often at the mercy of the drivers around you. Even if you stayed on the sidewalk and minded your own business, a driver who loses control of their vehicle can easily veer into you and crash.
However, this does not mean that you or other people walking along the road are entirely faultless. Pedestrians caused 64% of fatal pedestrian crashes in 2024. Because of this, you will need to be vigilant every time you walk by the roadside. To avoid collision accidents when crossing the road or walking along the sidewalk, you should:
- Be wary of your surroundings
- Refrain from drinking alcohol
- Take your earphones off when crossing the road
- Avoid jaywalking or crossing on green lights
- Wait for cars to stop before moving
- Stay close to lamps and street lights
Because pedestrians cannot rely on drivers to keep them safe, it is important for you to take care of yourself. One of the best ways to do this is to walk on sidewalks whenever possible. In the instances when a sidewalk is not available, it is strongly recommended to walk against the traffic along the edge of the road.
Getting legal advice for collisions and injuries
If you are struggling with laws concerning personal injuries, you may want to consider enlisting the help of an attorney. Understanding complex proceedings, disputes and agreements concerning custody can be difficult without the guidance of a legal professional.