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No matter where you walk, watch out!  A potential accident may be just a moment away.  In this technological age you, or a driver, may easily become distracted. Whether you’re in a gated community, at a store or anywhere, the potential of you, the pedestrian, being injured in a vehicle accident has increased.    

According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, there were 7,894 pedestrian crashes, 7,290 injured, and 499 killed in 2010 (the latest available figures). 

“Pedestrians cannot win against a motor vehicle.  So stay safe and take these common-sense precautions recommended by the U.S. Department of Health,” says Attorney Randall Spivey of Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A., Ft. Myers, FL.

Safety for Child Pedestrians

• Children under age 10 should not cross the street alone.
• Children should not play in the street.
• Children should walk and ride bicycles on sidewalks, not in the street.
• Children should wear bright or reflective clothing to enhance visibility to drivers.

Safety for Senior Pedestrians

• Cross the street at the corner or in the crosswalk.
• While crossing, continue to watch both sides of the street even when crossing in a crosswalk.
• Watch for oncoming traffic in the street.
• Wear bright clothing so drivers can easily see you.

Safety for All Pedestrians

• Walk on sidewalks.  If no sidewalk is available, walk on the road facing traffic.
• Cross only at street corners – preferably corners with traffic lights.
• Always walk within marked crosswalks.
• Avoid walking in the dark and during bad weather such as rain or fog.
• Look left, look right and look left again before crossing the street.
• Always be on the lookout for turning or backing vehicles.
• Make eye contact with the driver of a vehicle before crossing in front of the vehicle.
• Stay out of a driver’s blind spot.
• Learn all signals, including “Walk/Don’t Walk” and the iconic hand symbols.
• Pay attention to crosswalk timers and do not cross the street if the clock has stopped or the light has changed to red.
• Walk and cross with other pedestrians whenever possible.
• Wear properly maintained footwear.

“And remember, earphones and cell phones increase your risk of being involved in a vehicle accident as they represent distractions,” says Randall Spivey.

If you or a loved one is involved in a pedestrian accident or have  any potential personal injury or wrongful death claim,   please contact us at the Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A. specializing in personal injury and wrongful death.

Randall L. Spivey is a Board Certified Civil Trial Attorney – the highest recognition for competence bestowed by the Florida Bar and a distinction earned by less than 2 percent of Florida attorneys. He has handled over 1,500 personal injury and wrongful death cases throughout Florida. For a free and confidential consultation  to discuss your legal rights, contact the Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A., in Lee County at 239. 337.7483 or toll free at 1.888.477.4839, or by email to Randall@SpiveyLaw.com.  Visit SpiveyLaw.com  for more information. You can contact Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A. in Charlotte County at 941.764.7748 and in Collier County 239.793.7748.