Pedestrian accidents are a serious concern in cities and towns around the world. Whether it’s a simple walk to the store, crossing at an intersection, or taking a stroll in a park, pedestrians are vulnerable to accidents caused by distracted driving, poor infrastructure, and even their own lack of awareness. While many pedestrian accidents are avoidable, understanding the most common types and how to prevent them is key to ensuring your safety while walking.
In this blog, we’ll explore five of the most common pedestrian accidents and provide practical tips on how to avoid them.
1. Crosswalk Accidents
What happens: Crosswalks are meant to protect pedestrians as they cross busy streets, but many accidents still occur at these intersections. Drivers may not see pedestrians in time or may fail to stop at red lights or stop signs, causing collisions in marked crosswalks.
How to avoid it:
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Wait for the green light: Always wait for the pedestrian signal to turn green before crossing, and make sure all vehicles are stopped before stepping into the crosswalk.
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Make eye contact with drivers: Ensure drivers see you before you cross the street, especially at intersections with high traffic.
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Stay in the crosswalk: Avoid jaywalking or crossing outside of the designated pedestrian crossing area.
Tip: Always use crosswalks when available, as they are safer than crossing at unmarked areas.
2. Rear-End Collisions
What happens: Pedestrians walking near or on the side of the road are often struck by vehicles that don’t see them in time, especially at night or in poor visibility conditions. Drivers may fail to notice pedestrians in time to stop, leading to rear-end collisions.
How to avoid it:
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Stay visible: When walking at night or in low-light conditions, wear reflective clothing, carry a flashlight, or use any means to make yourself visible to drivers.
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Walk on sidewalks: Always use sidewalks when available. If there’s no sidewalk, walk facing traffic so you can see oncoming vehicles.
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Stay alert: Avoid distractions like smartphones while walking, and be aware of your surroundings.
Tip: In high-traffic areas, stay as far from the road as possible and avoid walking too close to parked cars, which can obscure drivers’ vision.
3. Left-Turn Collisions
What happens: Left turns are a frequent cause of pedestrian accidents, especially in busy intersections. Drivers turning left may not notice pedestrians crossing the street, especially when making turns at high speed or during the “green light” phase for vehicles.
How to avoid it:
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Wait for the turn signal: Wait for a solid “walk” signal before crossing the street, especially when cars are making left turns.
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Look both ways: Always check to see if any vehicles are turning left before crossing, even if the light is in your favor.
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Cross safely: Never attempt to cross when cars are turning, even if you’re on a green light, as they may not see you.
Tip: At intersections with high traffic volume, be extra cautious and wait until vehicles have fully stopped before crossing.
4. Right-Turn Collisions
What happens: Similar to left-turn collisions, right turns often result in pedestrian accidents. Drivers turning right at intersections may fail to notice pedestrians, especially if they are distracted, turning at high speeds, or not paying attention to crosswalks.
How to avoid it:
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Stay in designated crosswalks: Right turns are particularly dangerous for pedestrians at intersections. Always use crosswalks and stay within the lines.
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Watch for turning cars: Be aware of cars turning right, especially if they appear to be moving quickly. Make sure to check for turning cars before stepping into the crosswalk.
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Don’t assume drivers see you: Even when you have the right of way, never assume a driver will stop for you. Be extra cautious when crossing at intersections with turning lanes.
Tip: If you’re crossing in a busy area, try to make eye contact with the driver, so they are aware of your presence.
5. Mid-Block Crossing Accidents
What happens: One of the most dangerous pedestrian accidents occurs when individuals cross the street at places other than intersections, often referred to as “jaywalking.” Without the protection of crosswalks or signals, pedestrians are at a higher risk of being hit by vehicles, especially if drivers are not expecting pedestrians in those areas.
How to avoid it:
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Use marked crosswalks: Whenever possible, cross streets at designated pedestrian crossings. These are the safest places for pedestrians to cross, as they’re designed with traffic patterns in mind.
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Look both ways: If you absolutely must cross at a mid-block location, always look both ways and check for oncoming traffic.
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Wait for a gap in traffic: Be patient and wait for a clear gap in traffic before crossing. Do not rush or assume that vehicles will stop for you.
Tip: Avoid crossing busy roads mid-block, especially in areas without pedestrian infrastructure. Walk to the nearest intersection where traffic is slower, and the risks are minimized.
Conclusion
Pedestrian accidents are all too common, but most of them can be avoided by following simple safety tips and remaining vigilant. Whether you are walking on a busy city street, crossing at an intersection, or walking at night, always prioritize your safety by staying visible, following traffic signals, and remaining alert to your surroundings. By taking proactive steps, you can significantly reduce the risk of an accident and enjoy safer walking experiences.