We all know that walking to work is good for your health. The benefits of fresh air, increased heart rate, and the relaxing effects of movement are well documented. It’s healthy to walk anywhere! But, what about the risks? When you hear medical advice, suggesting that you walk more, you rarely hear about the dangers inherent in this activity. In 2019, 972 people lost their lives out walking as pedestrians. It’s your prerogative to exercise for your health, but it’s also your responsibility to make sure you stay safe.
If you do find yourself the victim of a pedestrian accident, don’t hesitate to hire an experienced attorney. But, in the hopes of avoiding any such harm, let’s take a look at some tips for staying safe while enjoying a walk outdoors.
This seems obvious, but the rules are not made to be broken when it comes to traffic safety. Using crosswalks, crossing only when lights and signs permit it, and avoiding jaywalking are all proactive ways to look out for yourself. You’ll also avoid tickets and dirty looks.
If you are going for a walk, let someone know what you’re doing. Share your route and your estimated arrival time with a friend. This way, if something does happen, there will be people to send help if you are missing.
There’s a reason seasoned walkers have reflective tape on them, day or night. They value their safety, and they know from experience that staying visible is one of your first lines of defense against accident or injury. Wear white or fluorescent gear, from your own closet, or invest in a reflective vest or set of straps.
And this is not just for nighttime, you want to be noticed by drivers during the day as well. Drivers are out there with a million things on their minds, so do your part to help them see you.
Pay attention to your route and the path in front of you, but also to your surroundings. Check out the traffic at the spotlight up ahead, look for turning lanes and those with cars crossing against the light. Is anyone driving erratically? Are there any big blind spots? Is the traffic coming out very quickly on the green light? Keep your eye out for anything coming, because if it has a motor it will be coming fast.
The same goes for staying alert with your ears as well. Listening to loud music or podcasts could distract you from warnings, horns, or the sound of oncoming traffic.
Make sure you set up a walking plan for yourself. Take into account your overall health, and be realistic. Don’t let yourself get stranded in an unfamiliar area, too tired or sore to go on. And don’t forget to bring water, no matter what, and a snack if you think you will need it. Think about your risk of falling and your mobility limitations and plan accordingly. As you walk you will be able to handle more and more, so don’t push yourself too hard at first.
blogs
Dog Bites: Your Dog and Compensation Law
Many people who experience severe injuries from dog bites usually wonder whether it is worth the hustle to pursue legal redress. Most fear they are a small minority and decide to suffer in silence. However, the truth is that dog bites are shockingly common and are among the most frequent types of personal injury lawsuits. […]
Lemon Laws and How They Have Impacted Jeep Car Recalls
Lemon Laws and How They Have Impacted Jeep Car Recalls Purchasing a car calls for careful consideration if you are to find a reliable model that suits your needs. More importantly, you need to understand existing laws concerning the warranty, equity, insurance, and various other crucial aspects. Lemon laws are designed to protect buyers from […]
5 Ways Parents can Encourage Safe Teen Driving
For teenagers, getting a driver’s license is a significant milestone. It marks the beginning of independence and instills a sense of responsibility. Most teen parents often share their children’s excitement but remain equally apprehensive since they’re well-aware of the dangers that come with driving. And they do have a perfectly valid reason to fret because […]
5 Things to Avoid After a Car Accident in California
After an auto accident in California, you’ll get all sorts of advice on what to do next. Some people will advise you to contact the police, exchange driver information, talk witnesses into giving their statement, call 911, and many other tips. While they’re all looking out for you, rarely does anyone tell you what not […]
Top Three Scenic Motorcycle Routes in California
California is among the most beautiful destinations in the country. The raw beauty of our state is part of the reasons why myriads of people move here every day. From miles of pristine beaches, breathtaking lakes, picturesque deserts, to rugged but awe-inspiring terrains like Yosemite, the geographic diversity of the Golden State is simply mesmerizing. […]
Keeping Older Drivers Safe
A lot of us have had to have a talk with our grandparents or parents about how they are on the road. There comes a time when caring for yourself can become difficult, as an older person, especially when driving. What can you do to ensure the older person in your life is being safe […]
Bike Maintenence Checklist
For those of us who bike to work, it’s clear that riding around is more than a hobby. Biking is something that can improve your mental and physical health. It can become a way of life, because to do it right takes commitment. You need to learn the best and fastest bike routes, have all […]
Holiday Travel Safety
As we get into the holiday season, it’s a good time to think of some relaxing times spent at home with loved ones. Having a nice meal, meeting new spouses and grandchildren, or just coming together finally after a long time apart- it is a period of joy and togetherness. For these reasons and more, […]
Winter Rideshare Safety Tips
Winter driving is no joke in general. Everyone needs to slow down and be sure to take the proper winter driving precautions, but if you drive a rideshare, your point-to-point driving makes you more vulnerable to getting in an accident than if you were simply driving to and from work. Add to this the dangers […]
Benefits of a Dashboard Camera
As we all know, the streets and highways of California can be a wild place and accidents can happen. Collisions can range from disorienting to terrifying, and reconstructing the events around a crash can be a challenge in some cases. While there are more street and traffic light cameras than ever before, obviously not every angle of […]
contact form
