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
How Dangerous Are Motorcycle Accidents?
Motorcyclists are more likely to die in a traffic accident than people inside passenger cars. In fact, they are 28 times more likely, due to a number of factors, including things like potential low visibility from the blind spots of other vehicles around them. Motorcycles are also most likely to be involved in collisions with […]
Apps for Increased Rideshare Safety
Rideshares can be fun and convenient, but if you’re putting your life in the hands of a stranger by taking a rideshare, you’ll want to feel safe. No one wants to be put in a situation where they feel unsafe or lost, or where they might end up in a ridesharingaccident. Here are some apps […]
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 […]
Winter Bicycle Riding Tips
With cold winds in your face and slick surfaces to navigate, the winter is not the ideal to ride on your typical bicycle. Many of us use a bike as our regular transportation, and some of us have our bikes tricked out for winter riding, as well. In order to make the most of your […]
Five Helpful Facts and Tips About Pedestrian Accidents
The pedestrian fatality rate in Arizona is more than double that of the national average, at 1.61 pedestrian deaths per 100,000 people. Most of these are male pedestrians, killed at a rate of almost three times as much as female pedestrians. Keeping pedestrians safe is everyone’s job, but as a pedestrian, you should understand the […]
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 […]
Five Safety Products for Motorcycle Riders
Approximately ten percent of motor vehicle deaths in the United States can be attributed to motorcycleaccidents. Safe riding and defensive driving are important to all motor vehicle operations, of course, but making sure you’re stocked up on the right equipment to make your ride as safe as possible is critical to avoiding accidents or, in […]
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 […]
Pedestrian Safety in Cold Weather
When it’s cold outside, people drive worse than they did before. If you’re a pedestrian, you need to take extra precautions during the cold weather and, if you’re driving, you need to keep an extra eye out for pedestrians who are even harder to see, especially if snow is lowering your visibility. Safety is always […]
Clearing Up Workers Compensation Misconceptions
If we hear the term “workers comp,” we probably feel like we understand the basics – if you get hurt on the job, you file for workers comp, you get time off to heal and hopefully a little extra something along with your salary to make it all easier. In an ideal world, sure, it […]
formulario de contacto
