Considering Walking More as the Temperatures Rise? Safety Tips to Help Ventura Pedestrians Stay Safe

As temperatures rise in Ventura, Ventura residents may be tempted to step outside and take a walk to enjoy the sunshine. Some Ventura residents may even decide to do their regular errands or commute on foot, opting to get in some steps and avoid gas lines and ever-climbing fuel costs. Whatever the reason, the unfortunate truth is that traveling as a pedestrian is not always safe, and pedestrian-involved accidents can and do happen. Indeed, in 2021 alone, 7,388 pedestrians were killed in accidents, and more than 60,000 pedestrians were injured in the United States. With pedestrian accidents on the rise, and summer around the corner, we provide safety tips from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to help keep Ventura pedestrians safer on roads and streets.

Stay Safer When You Walk in Ventura with these 8 Pedestrian Safety Tips

Recognizing the high number of pedestrian-involved accidents in the United States, the NHTSA provides tips to pedestrians to help them stay safe. First, the NHTSA advises pedestrians to follow the rules of the road and any signs and signals that they may encounter while walking. Second, it is important for pedestrians to walk on designated sidewalks whenever possible to avoid entering a lane of traffic. Thirdly, the NHTSA advises that if there is no sidewalk, it is safest to walk facing traffic and as far away from traffic as possible. Next, pedestrians should always crosswalks, but if a crosswalk or intersection is not available, the NHTSA advises that pedestrians should wait for a “gap” in the traffic that will allow enough time to cross the street, then should cross while continuing to watch for traffic.

In addition, pedestrians should always watch for cars that are exiting or entering smaller, less visible areas, such as driveways, and should watch for cars that are backing up in parking lots. Of course, the NHTSA also advises that pedestrians should not use drugs or alcohol while walking. Finally, the NHTSA advises, “Embrace walking as a healthy form of transportation – get up, get out, and get moving.” In sum, while walking can be dangerous, it can also be a great and healthy way to get around, and being vigilant of your surroundings can help pedestrians stay safe on the road.

Legal Help for Ventura Pedestrians Injured by Negligent Drivers

Of course, even the most careful and vigilant pedestrian can be hit by a negligent driver and can be injured or even killed. If you or a loved one were injured by a car in Ventura, it is important to learn about your rights under California personal injury laws.

The experienced Ventura pedestrian accident lawyers at Zavala Law, PC offer a free and confidential consultation to learn about your accident and to see if they can help you get justice. Contact Zavala Law, PC today and learn about your rights and options for free.

Source:

nhtsa.gov/road-safety/pedestrian-safety