If you live in an urban area near Dallas, Austin, San Antonio, or Galveston, there are many great places to walk around. These big cities offer plenty to see and do without needing to drive everywhere or look for parking.
However, when you’re on foot, being a pedestrian can put you in grave danger of being hit by a car. Make no mistake about it – pedestrian accidents are on the rise throughout Texas and the U.S. If you want to avoid being the pedestrian hit by car on the latest news reports, read on to find out why this keeps happening.
What Is Causing So Many Pedestrian Accidents in Texas?
As with most motor vehicle accidents today, the main reason pedestrians are in grave danger is due to inattentive drivers who make errors behind the wheel. Here is a review of the top causes of Texas pedestrian accidents:
Distracted Driving
Anything that causes a driver to stop paying attention to the task of driving can be a distraction. Distractions can be visual, manual, cognitive, or a combination of these types. You might picture a distracted driver texting while driving through Downtown, oblivious to pedestrians around them, but this isn’t the only distraction drivers experience.
Some may apply makeup, eat, drink, try to find directions on GPS, change the music on the stereo, become too occupied with talking to their passengers, or attempt to grab something out of their reach. These drivers may also be daydreaming about an upcoming vacation or planning out their upcoming presentation at the office.
Impaired Driving
Despite initiatives to stop drunk or drugged driving, it continues throughout Texas. The availability of rideshare options has slightly curbed drunk driving, though intoxicated drivers still plague the roads. Negligent drivers may not want to head back to bustling downtown areas the following day to retrieve their parked cars. When they get behind the wheel and fail to notice a pedestrian in their path, things can take a tragic turn.
Speeding
Although city centers are often the subject of concern for pedestrian accidents, pedestrians are increasingly becoming injured in accidents in neighborhoods. Walking the dog or going for a jog along the road has turned into a dangerous practice, even in suburban sprawls where negligent drivers step on the gas and fly through the area. By the time they notice a pedestrian, it’s too late.
Failing to Yield the Right of Way at Crosswalks
Pedestrians are always advised to cross streets at crosswalks when they are available. However, if you’re on foot, you should be cautious and make sure that the approaching vehicles are coming to a stop. Some drivers continue through the marked crosswalk areas to make a turn. As they pull up to see if the way is clear, they neglect to check for pedestrians coming in the other direction.
Violating Traffic Laws
In addition to not yielding the right of way to pedestrians in a crosswalk, many pedestrian accidents are the result of drivers who break traffic laws. They may run stop signs or red lights, blasting through the intersection and into innocent victims.
How to Reduce the Occurrence of Pedestrian Accidents
Both drivers and pedestrians need to take the right steps to prevent these tragic accidents. When a pedestrian is struck by a vehicle, the resulting injuries are often catastrophic, leading to permanent disabilities or even death. Whether you’re behind the wheel of your car or you’re out walking your dog, follow these tips to prevent pedestrian accidents.
Tips for Drivers to Protect Pedestrian Safety
As a driver, you should be vigilant for any potential obstacle or change in the roadway ahead. This includes looking for pedestrians, even in unexpected areas. In neighborhoods, slow down and watch for playing children, who can sometimes dart into the road.
When you approach an intersection with vehicles that are stopped at a crosswalk, be patient and operate under the assumption that they have stopped for a pedestrian or cyclist. You can also avoid rear-ending other vehicles in front of you by leaving enough room as you approach intersections. Vehicles must come to a complete stop when a pedestrian enters the crosswalk.
Pay attention fully while you are driving and keep your eyes on the road. Obeying the speed limit and all traffic laws can help you prevent causing a pedestrian accident. Additionally, it should go without saying that no one should ever get behind the wheel when they are intoxicated. Call a rideshare instead and you’ll be doing your part to save lives.
Tips to Help You Stay Safe as a Pedestrian
Whether you park and walk downtown, go for a regular jog in your neighborhood, or take the dog on lengthy walks, there are certain things you can do to minimize your risk of becoming a Texas pedestrian accident statistic. When walking, use the sidewalk if there is one, and if not, walk on the shoulder facing the oncoming traffic. You’ll be able to easily see if any vehicle is veering out of the lane and be able to move out of harm’s way.
Take extra precautions when you are walking at night as well as during sunrise or sunset. Fog, rain, and even snowy conditions can also make it more difficult to spot pedestrians. Dressing in brightly colored clothing or garments that have reflective material can help you stand out even more to those who are driving.
Drivers tend to expect pedestrians at crosswalks and intersections, though they aren’t always paying attention. Look through the windshields and try to make eye contact with the drivers of these vehicles before stepping into the intersection. You should avoid trying to cross the street outside of intersections whenever possible as well.
If you have children, teach them about the dangers of running into the street. Showing them how to look both ways and safely cross a street is a valuable skill that will serve them well into adulthood.
If both drivers and pedestrians follow these tips, the occurrence of pedestrian accidents will decrease with time, and Texas will be a safer place for all residents.