Taking a walk can be an enjoyable form of exercise and can reduce your carbon footprint if you are walking in lieu of driving to your destination. While many people in Cullman understand that walking makes you a pedestrian the fact is that everyone is a pedestrian at some point even if they are simply crossing the street or walking in a parking lot. This also means that many people suffer serious injuries or are killed after being struck by cars in a pedestrian accident.
Pedestrian accidents decrease in 2020
According to one study by the Governors Highway Safety Association, Alabama saw a decrease in fatal pedestrian accidents in 2020. Specifically, pedestrian fatalities decreased 19% in 2020 compared to the number of pedestrian fatalities in 2019. Comparatively, the overall number pedestrian deaths in the U.S. rose in 2020 despite the fact there were 13% fewer cars on the road in 2020. In 2020, there were 6,271 pedestrian fatalities in the U.S. This is a 4.8% uptick from the number of pedestrian fatalities in 2019.
How can motorists prevent causing pedestrian accidents?
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there are ways motorists in Alabama can prevent causing a pedestrian accident. First, they should always be on the lookout for pedestrians no matter where or when they are driving. This is especially true when visibility is reduced at night or in poor weather.
Second, when approaching a crosswalk, motorists should reduce their speed and be prepared to stop. Motorists should yield to pedestrians crossing the road at a crosswalk and should make sure their vehicle is not in the crosswalk forcing pedestrians to walk on the road outside the crosswalk.
Third, passing other vehicles in a crosswalk should be avoided as there may be pedestrians crossing the street that you do not see. Speed limits should always be followed, especially in school zones and areas where children are present. Finally, motorists should take care when reversing to avoid hitting a pedestrian behind them.
Learn more about auto accidents in Alabama
All motorists in Cullman have a duty to drive safely around pedestrians. Unfortunately, some motorists who think they are above the law will shirk this duty and cause a serious or even fatal pedestrian accident. This post is for educational purposes only and does not contain legal advice. Those who want to learn more about auto accidents in Cullman may want to explore our firm’s website for further information on this important topic.
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