Safety and Preventative Measures in Virginia Pedestrian Accidents 

There are many safety and preventative measures in Virginia pedestrian accidents that people can take to avoid accidents. Staying aware of surroundings is the most important thing an individual could do to avoid a pedestrian accident. A skilled pedestrian accident lawyer could advise individuals on how to avoid accidents and preserve their safety. If someone has already been injured in a pedestrian accident case, an attorney could help them file their case.

Measures Drivers Can Take to Prevent Accidents

As a driver, safety and preventative measures in Virginia pedestrian accidents can take include being on the lookout for pedestrians, especially in pedestrian-heavy areas, including downtown and business districts. They should also expect a pedestrian who may not be paying attention or maybe blindly following crosswalks or signals. And even if the driver has the right-of-way, drivers need to remember that pedestrians always have the right-of–way, because they cannot get out of the way faster. Drivers should take extra caution in pedestrian areas.

Specifically, as drivers, individuals can avoid distracted driving, i.e., playing with the radio, being on their cell phone or texting, being overly fatigued, and certainly being under the influence of drugs or alcohol. A driver should make sure to be aware of pedestrian areas, pay special attention to crosswalks, controlled intersections, and intersections where pedestrians (including children) may be present.

Safety Measures Pedestrians Can Take

As pedestrians, individuals should never assume that a driver sees them. They should always take cautionary steps by looking both ways, make sure they can see the driver (see what the driver is looking at), and make sure they can be seen by the driver by wearing bright clothing. A pedestrian needs to obey the rules of the road and avoid distractions as well.

Pedestrians should always use marked intersections and controlled intersections, and follow the rules of the road. Pedestrians should also make sure that they themselves are avoiding distractions and never assume that just because they are in a controlled intersection, that a vehicle sees them or that a vehicle is actually going to stop for them.

Guidelines Surrounding Pedestrians at Night

Pedestrians at night should remember that they are far more difficult to see and should never assume that a vehicle can see them. Pedestrians should take into account safety and preventative measures in Virginia pedestrian accidents including following all marked intersections, staying in crosswalks, wearing reflective clothing if they are running, and use flashlights if possible. These types of things can help individuals prevent accidents by being more noticeable and safer.

People should always carry identifying information as well as emergency contact information, e.g., who should be contacted in case of an emergency that may have certain directives and authority to make emergency medical decisions for them.

Steps Pedestrians Should Take Following an Accident

If an individual has been involved in an accident, the safety and preventative measures in Virginia pedestrian accidents that they should take are to make sure they are safe and the other individuals involved are safe. If anyone needs medical assistance, they should call 911 and receive that emergency medical assistance.

If there has been an accident, it is important to contact law enforcement so they can come to the scene and assess what needs to be done from their perspective. Once the situation is under control, it is important to contact an experienced personal injury pedestrian attorney if an individual feels they have been injured through no fault of their own. A capable lawyer could advocate for an individual and protect their rights.