Florida is a state where you simply want to be outside. Locals as well as tourists like to soak up the sunshine as they explore the great outdoors.
While this is one of the aspects that makes Florida such a great place to be, it’s also something that contributes to accidents, especially pedestrian accidents.
One of the ways you can prevent pedestrian accidents in Florida is to understand why they happen and where they’re most likely to occur. Here’s what you need to know about pedestrian accidents in Florida and what to do if you’re involved in one.
Pedestrian Accidents in Florida: The Most Common Causes
A pedestrian is defined as anyone using a roadway or a walkway who is not in a vehicle, including:
- Runners
- Cyclists
- Walkers
- Skaters
There are several ways that accidents involving pedestrians can occur. Some are more common than others when involving a motor vehicle, such as:
- Reckless driving
- Negligence on the part of the pedestrian
- Failure to stop at an intersection
- Driving while distracted
- Passing a school bus that has stopped
- Speeding
- Driving while intoxicated
- Poor intersection maintenance
Where Pedestrian Accidents Happen
Florida contains many vacation regions. Because of that, tourist areas are the most common places where accidents involving pedestrians occur. You must be especially careful and on the lookout for pedestrians at beaches and tourist attractions. This is where pedestrians likewise should exercise caution.
Outside of tourist areas, the most common places for pedestrian accidents to take place are school zones and neighborhoods. Just as with tourist areas, it’s important to stay alert and aware of your surroundings in these areas, whether on foot or in a vehicle.
How Pedestrians Can Stay Safe
When on the road and not in a vehicle, there are several ways you can protect yourself from getting mixed up in an accident. In general, caution should be exercised as a pedestrian. Utilize the following tips for safety:
Always Cross At an Intersection
You should never cross a road at any place but an intersection with a crosswalk. Using a crosswalk helps you to be more visible to vehicles. It also protects you, since road signs or lights help control the flow of traffic. Crosswalks can also highlight vehicles speeding toward you that may not be paying attention to your crossing.
Carry a Light
You shouldn’t wear black if on the road as a pedestrian at night. Wear light clothes. Make sure to use a light on your bike or in your hand. Reflectors are also recommended.
Don’t Assume
Even though you may have the right of way in most situations as a pedestrian, don’t assume you do. Make sure traffic is actually going to stop before crossing a road.
What To Do If You’re in an Accident
If you’re involved in an accident with a pedestrian, it can be serious. Make sure that medical care is given right away, and ensure police file a report on the scene.
No matter if you’re the driver of the vehicle or the pedestrian involved in the accident, you have rights and it’s important to keep those rights protected. You may need to get an attorney involved in your case if injuries occur that require compensation. Having a police report of the accident and medical records can help.
