The weather in Napa and Sonoma counties is pleasant enough that many residents take a walk. Whether it is for leisure purposes or to get to work or run errands, walking is a healthy and environmentally-friendly way to get from Point A to Point B. However, even if you rely on your car to get around, every day you are likely a pedestrian simply by crossing the street or walking in a parking lot. Therefore, it is good to know what pedestrians and motorists should do to avoid causing an auto-pedestrian accident.
Tips for pedestrians
Pedestrians can help keep themselves safe by being predictable and following the rules of the road. If sidewalks are available, use those rather than walking in the street. If you must walk in the street, make sure you are facing traffic and stay out of the way of traffic as much as possible. Stay alert. This means paying attention to your surroundings rather than your cellphone. Use crosswalks when available and look both ways before crossing the street. If a crosswalk is not available, try to stay in an area with adequate lighting so that you can see traffic and traffic can see you. If you are walking at night, wear reflective clothing or carry a flashlight.
Tips for motorists
Practice pedestrian awareness. Pedestrians can be present at any street and at all times. Be especially careful when visibility is reduced, for example, at night or in bad weather conditions. Slow down and stop at intersections, and yield to pedestrians at crosswalks. Do not pass vehicles stopped at a crosswalk; there may be pedestrians that you cannot see. Do not speed or drive drunk. You may need to slow down in school zones or areas where children are present. Finally, take care when reversing your vehicle, to avoid striking a pedestrian.
Learn more about auto-pedestrian accidents
Ultimately, this post is for educational purposes only and does not contain legal advice. Those who want to learn more about pedestrian accidents are encouraged to explore our firm’s website for further information.