Some numbers have Arizona as the most dangerous state in the U.S. when it comes to pedestrians. They are in the most danger by simply being outnumbered, which means accidents are likely to rise as the number of automobiles on the road continues to rise. It is important for you to not only understand how to avoid potential pedestrian accidents, but also to understand what to do if you are in the unfortunate position of ending up in one. Here are five pointers about pedestrian accidents.
It seems common sense – people walking around, right? No, because you’re missing a big number of people who cannot walk – meaning people in wheelchairs (manual or motorized. It also includes runners. Pedestrians are, effectively, anyone who typically has the right of way but who could be in danger from faster and automated modes of transportation like motorized vehicles and bicycles.
Laws regarding pedestrians are primarily built around protecting pedestrians, since laws are intended to protect the vulnerable. Arizona requires that drivers yield to pedestrians and to avoid passing vehicles stopped at a crosswalk, as a pedestrian is likely to be on the other side of said vehicle. Pedestrians are subject to Arizona law as well, of course, for their own protection, including a requirement to follow traffic control signs when at intersections and yielding right-of-way to vehicles if they are not at a crosswalk.
In Arizona, the majority of pedestrian fatalities happen when the pedestrian is crossing with a road – this is also where the most injuries occur, as well. Most of the time, pedestrians in these accidents were not intoxicated or found to be under the influence of drugs, either. This should tell you that awareness of surroundings is paramount to being a safe pedestrian.
Since Arizona laws use pure comparative fault, both parties could potentially be considered at fault, which will reduce a plaintiff’s damages, in the long run, if the pedestrian is found to be in partial fault in some way. As far as potential damages, a pedestrian cam potentially seek both economic and non-economic damages.
The easiest way to stay safe, of course, is to follow all traffic laws. It is always recommended to wear bright colors and, if walking at night, to wear some sort of reflective gear in order to be more easily noticed in headlights and other lights.
While pedestrians do typically have right of way, that is no reason to assume that everyone around you will follow the rules. Just as the safest type of driving or bicycle riding is defensive, so, too, must you be a defensive pedestrian. Keep your senses sharp and pay attention to your surroundings, and if you can avoid a potentially dangerous misunderstanding regarding crossing, etc, then do avoid it. It is better not to take a dangerous chance.
blogs
More Apps for Increased Rideshare Safety
If every ride you take is just you and an unknown driver, it doesn’t hurt to look into your safety options. And while any unsure situation could potentially turn dangerous, you can do yourself a favor by finding helpful methods for letting people know where you are and where you’re going to be, and generally […]
Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in the United States
Whether due to size, or footprint of the motorcycle, or sheer stability, or a combination of these factors, motorcycles are much more likely to be involved in an accident than other automobiles. Certainly, in some cases, this is a visibility issue as well, with many drivers of other automobiles not looking in their blind spots […]
Five Products for Truck Driver Safety
Truck drivers are the backbone of the economy, and their safety is of the utmost importance. Not only are they at special risk of trafficaccidents, but truck driving comes with a host of other dangers. The easiest way to stay safe while driving any vehicle is being aware of your surroundings and making sure your […]
Motorcycle Safety Tips for Cold Weather
Driving any vehicle in cold weather and especially snow is going to make for a much more difficult time than driving in dry, comfortable weather. With enough preparation and all of the right gear, it is possible to mitigate many of these problems, but without them, you run the risk of a deadly accident. Before […]
Five Helpful Facts About Dog Bites
Dog bites are not only relatively common, but they can be incredibly dangerous. If you’re bitten by a dog, you run the risk of the obvious wound to your flesh or bone, but you also are at risk for an infection, including tetanus and rabies. It can be helpful to know how to treat such […]
Tips for Avoiding Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycles as a mode of transportation are inherently moredangerous than others. Because of this, motorcycle drivers have an extra onus on them to be the safest drivers possible. Many motorcycle accidents are caused due to careless motorcycle driving, and while you may think you’re one of the safe ones, anyone can be caught off guard. […]
Winter Driving Safety Tips
Having your winter tires installed on your car and packing a windshield scraper is a good start to being prepared to drive in the winter, but as the cold weather gets harsher, the driving conditions get worse. With this comes the tendency for some people to overcorrect or not know how to stop properly, or […]
What to Look for When Hiring an Attorney
In Arizona and California, two big car cultures on the grow, you’re statistically more likely to be involved in some sort of motor vehicle accident or have some other legal concerns surrounding your automobile. Other injuries, like dog bites and slip and falls, are all-too common, and can be difficult to navigate with some kind […]
California Lemon Laws: How Exactly Do They Work?
Buying a car in California, whether brand new or slightly used is always an exciting experience. Even if you already have a few in your garage, the thought of painting the town red in a new ride is nothing but thrilling. So, it can be incredibly disappointing if your new or used car keeps on […]
Five Apps Every Trucker Should Have
Driving a tractor trailer or any other large vehicle isn’t just about long hours, lots of miles and making sure you’re still driving safely after those lengthy days. It’s a lifestyle, and like any other connected lifestyle in the 21st century, there are plenty of apps to go around designed to help make a truck […]
formulario de contacto
