Safety tips for pedestrians

By Steven Miller
Senior Partner

Below are just a few safety tips that pedestrians in New York or anywhere else can easily follow to reduce their risk of accidents. The first tip is to make one’s self visible, especially at night and on foggy or rainy days. Pedestrians could wear reflective clothing or carry a flashlight.

Pedestrians should always walk on sidewalks or walk facing traffic when there are no sidewalks. In parking lots, they should have eyes and ears open for backing lights and engine noise. They should try to make eye contact with drivers before crossing the street because drivers may be calling, texting or engaging in some other distracting activity. Pedestrians should never cross from behind a parked car and always cross at well-lit areas.

All intersections represent crosswalks, even when none are actually marked on the pavement. If individuals cross mid-block, it may be that the crosswalk is supplemented with a rectangular rapid flashing beacon to improve visibility.

Pedestrians can also use median refuges, which allow them to cross half the road at a time. Accessible pedestrian signals exist for the benefit of those with impaired sight or hearing. Regarding countdown timers, pedestrians should not begin crossing when the interval is about to terminate. They could still legally be on the crosswalk, though, when the “Don’t Walk” sign is flashing.

Even safety-minded pedestrians are liable to be injured because of the negligence of drivers. In the event of pedestrian accidents, each side’s degree of fault will need to be determined before victims can file a personal injury claim. Their degree of fault may lower the amount they’re eligible for in damages, but they might still be covered for medical expenses, lost wages and other applicable losses. Hiring a lawyer may be beneficial when it comes to negotiating for a settlement.

About the Author
Steven Miller, Esq. is the founding member and Senior Partner in Miller, Montiel & Strano, P.C. Mr. Miller’s extensive career as a trial attorney spans five decades. He tries cases for the catastrophically injured victims of construction site accidents, motor vehicle and premises accidents caused by the negligence of others. Mr. Miller is a detail oriented, tenacious attorney committed to achieving the maximum results for his clients; he has obtained numerous seven figure verdicts and settlements.