So You Think You Can Walk? Crossing Safely at Crosswalks
Florida is known for its beautiful weather and this attracts many people on both a temporary and permanent basis. Many people here in the Sunshine State take advantage of the beautiful weather by choosing to frequently walk from one destination to another as opposed to driving. While doing so definitely has its pros, there is also a con to frequently walking – the danger pedestrians face when simply trying to cross the street.
Drivers should, of course, make an effort to stay safe while behind the wheel. But pedestrians should also understand that while drivers have a responsibility to pay attention to prevent accidents on the road, pedestrians also have a responsibility to stay alert while crossing the road.
What Example of This Kind of Tragedy Was Recently in the News?
The Palm Beach Post recently reported that a 24-year-old woman was tragically killed while crossing a road in Palm Beach Gardens. The young woman had reportedly overcome many challenges related to her autism to become an advocate for anyone with special needs. She lived with her mother in Palm Beach Gardens and was using the crosswalk to walk east across Military Trail at Northlake Boulevard when a 1998 International semi-trailer truck struck her. Authorities have asserted that the investigation into the cause of the crash remains open.
How Dangerous Can Walking Be For Pedestrians?
Unfortunately, Florida tops the nation as the most dangerous place for pedestrians. The South Florida area actually ranks 14th on the list of the 100 largest metropolitan areas in the U.S. and throughout the state, almost 5500 pedestrians were killed between 2008 and 2017. One of the reasons for these grim statistics is likely that some of the most vulnerable are older adults, and we all know that the Sunshine State attracts a local population from both near and far.
How Can Pedestrians Cross the Street Safely?
- Follow traffic signals when crossing the street
- Lack of sidewalks forcing pedestrians into the street
- Overgrown bushes blocking drivers’ view of the sidewalk
Have You or a Loved One Suffered a Car Accident Injury While Crossing the Road?
If you or your loved one have been injured in a car accident while simply trying to cross the road, it may feel like you and your family members are the only people who can relate to your situation. However, if you have been injured by a motor vehicle, whether as a pedestrian, driver, passenger, or a pedestrian who is simply trying to cross the street, you should understand that you have legal rights. Regardless of how you are injured, it is important to contact an attorney as soon as possible to protect your rights. We have helped many victims of car accidents hold the responsible parties accountable for their injuries. The Boca Raton car accident attorneys at Leifer & Ramirez have over 30 years of experience assisting car accident victims and we can help you begin pursuing the compensation you are entitled to. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.
Resource:
palmbeachpost.com/news/20190918/gardens-woman-killed-in-crosswalk-crash-overcame-autism-challenges-family-says
https://www.leiferlaw.com/safety-tips-for-teen-drivers/
