Pedestrian safety is a paramount concern in the state of Texas. According to the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), pedestrian fatalities increased by 30% in Texas from 2018 to 2022, and, in 2022 alone, there were 830 pedestrian deaths and 1,526 pedestrian injuries. Furthermore, the concern regarding the safety of pedestrians in Texas should not be underestimated.
In looking at what can be done to combat this alarming issue in Texas, there are many approaches and strategies. However, this movement towards protecting pedestrians requires not only the involvement and cooperation of pedestrians but also all other motor vehicle drivers on the road. Therefore, let’s explore some ways that both drivers and pedestrians can work to help reduce the number of injuries and fatalities of pedestrians in Texas.
Use Sidewalks
According to the Texas Transportation Code, Sec. 552.006, all pedestrians must walk on the sidewalk if there is one accessible. With that being said, if there is not an accessible sidewalk, pedestrians must walk on the left side of the road, facing oncoming traffic. Of course, if the left side of the roadway is unsafe or obstructed by something such as construction, then a pedestrian need not walk on that side of the road.
Obey Traffic Laws
The next thing that pedestrians and drivers alike should be doing to ensure not only pedestrian safety but also the safety of all individuals on the road is to obey traffic laws. This should be non-negotiable as breaking traffic laws can have serious legal repercussions. Traffic laws that pedestrians and drivers must abide by include speed limits, stop signs, traffic signals, and yielding. Following traffic laws is pertinent in reducing the incidence of injuries and fatalities.
Maintain Visibility
The last thing that can be done to help improve pedestrian safety in Texas is to stay visible. Remaining visible while walking or running helps motor vehicle drivers spot you and avoid crashing into you. To stay visible, two simple efforts can be made. First, you can be sure to wear brightly colored and reflective clothing, including shoes, shirts, pants, and helmets. This will help catch the eye of drivers and alert them that you are nearby. The other thing you can do to help increase your visibility, particularly at night, is to use a flashlight to guide you and bring attention to yourself while on the side of the road.
What To Do After a Pedestrian Accident
In the unfortunate event that you wind up in a pedestrian accident, there are important steps that should be taken in order to protect your health and your rights. First, if you are injured in a pedestrian accident, you should seek medical assistance immediately before doing anything else. Your physical safety and health should be your number one priority. Next, if you are able to, you will want to gather the contact information of any individuals involved in the accident, as well as any witnesses. Then, capture photographs and videos of the accident scene, as this important evidence can be used for your personal injury claim. Finally, reach out to an experienced San Antonio pedestrian accident attorney who can help protect your legal rights and ensure your recover maximum compensation for the injuries you sustained.
