Motorists must watch out for people in the roadway who are walking or crossing. Pedestrians do not have the protection that a vehicle provides, making them very vulnerable. In a crash, the pedestrian is most likely to suffer life-threatening injuries or even death. As a driver on Connecticut roadways, you need to make sure that you pay attention and share the roads with pedestrians.
The U.S. Department of Transportation explains that while pedestrians should do their part to stay safe when on the road, motorists also must do their part. When everyone works together, it can save lives and prevent horrible accidents. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help you avoid pedestrian accidents.
Watch out
You should always look for pedestrians at any time of day and anywhere on the roadway. It is important that you are especially careful when driving in adverse weather or in areas where visibility is low. Pay special attention in areas where you know there may be a lot of pedestrians, especially in areas around schools during school time.
Obey the law
Always go the speed limit and adhere to caution signs alerting you to possible pedestrians. If you approach a crosswalk, slow down and be ready to stop. Make sure that you understand crosswalk laws and always yield to any person in a crosswalk or who is otherwise crossing the street.
Maneuver carefully
When backing up, double-check for pedestrians behind you. Also, make sure that you are cautious when driving in any areas of a parking lot. You also should never pass a stopped vehicle unless you can see there is nobody crossing the road in front of it.
Keeping pedestrians safe is everyone’s job, but as a driver, you need to watch out for them. Having a pedestrian accident is devastating for everyone involved. Keep yourself and others safe by following these tips.