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Every person who drives a motor vehicle on public Arizona roads has a “duty of care,” requiring them to act lawfully and responsibly behind the wheel to avoid injuring anyone else around them, including pedestrians. However, that does not mean pedestrians walking near active roadways do not have a responsibility to be aware of nearby traffic and try to prevent accidents from happening to the fullest extent they are able.
Following the safety precautions for Avondale pedestrians mentioned below can significantly reduce your risk of being struck by a car and potentially suffering life-altering injuries as a result. If you were hit by a negligent driver while walking recently, a Avondale pedestrian accident lawyer from Phillips Law Group can help you take legal action against that driver and recover financially for the losses their misconduct has caused you.
It may understandably sound cynical, but the unfortunate reality for pedestrians in Avondale and throughout Arizona is that many drivers do not look for or even think about pedestrians while driving. Because of that, one of the best things pedestrians can do to protect themselves from getting hurt in accidents is to look both ways more than once before entering a crosswalk or street, wait to see what oncoming cars do before stepping out in front of them, and occasionally yield the right-of-way to fast-moving vehicles even if they should legally be yielding to pedestrians.
Maximizing visibility is a key safety precaution for Avondale pedestrians, especially at night and during inclement weather conditions. Bright-colored clothing will generally serve this purpose well, but in areas without sidewalks or streetlamps, it may be helpful to wear reflective patches or even flashing lights as well to make absolutely certain that oncoming drivers are aware a pedestrian is ahead of them.
Under Arizona law, drivers are supposed to yield to pedestrians who are actively in marked or unmarked crosswalks even if the pedestrian is crossing without a “WALK” signal or otherwise breaking the law. That said, it is always safer for a pedestrian to enter crosswalks only when legally allowed to do so and to generally be aware of local traffic laws and patterns while walking near active roads.
Just like they can for motor vehicle drivers, intoxication and excessive fatigue can dramatically reduce a pedestrian’s awareness of their surroundings and reaction time when faced with potential hazards. While it may not always be feasible in every situation, being in good physical condition without being impaired by alcohol, drugs, or a lack of sleep can make a noticeable difference in how safe someone is as a pedestrian in Avondale.
Of course, even the most careful and considerate pedestrian cannot completely eliminate the risk of a reckless or careless driver running into them. Still, adhering to basic safety precautions for Avondale pedestrians can both reduce the chances of this happening and, if it does happen anyway, strengthen your chances of securing civil compensation for your injuries.
A pedestrian accident lawyer from Phillips Law Group can discuss these safety practices and offer guidance about a possible lawsuit over a pedestrian crash during a free, no-obligation consultation. Get in touch with a member of our legal team today to schedule yours.
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