- Be Predictable – Do not walk on interstates or forbidden areas. Use sidewalks when available, and only cross streets where it is legal to do so. Follow the laws!
- Walk Facing Road Traffic – If there are no sidewalks, walk facing the road traffic so drivers can see you. Also, stay in the shoulder as much as possible.
- Be Visible – Make it easy for drivers to see you! Wear bright colors. If you are walking in the dark, carry a flashlight and wear reflective clothing.
- Be Cautious – Be aware of your surroundings and of drivers. Many times the drivers are not paying attention so make sure that you are. Make eye contact with them to make sure that they see you.
- Be Smart – Alcohol and drugs impair your ability to walk, make good decisions and impair your ability to drive.
In 2011, 53 pedestrians were killed in Kentucky due to a vehicle. By following these five tips, you can prevent this from happening to you!
Related: “Look Alive Louisville” Program Aims To Reduce Pedestrian Deaths
What happens if I am hit by a car?
If you were hit by a car while you were walking, your car insurance may cover you. You may wonder how that would work since you weren’t driving your car when the pedestrian accident occurred. To make sure that you are covered, you first need to check your car insurance policy to see if you have uninsured motorist coverage. Uninsured motorist coverage will provide compensation for any injuries you receive in a pedestrian accident if the car that hit you didn’t have insurance. In today’s economic environment, more people are driving without insurance. You can protect yourself from this by having the right car insurance.
If you are involved in a pedestrian accident, please seek medical help right away. It may have been a minor accident, but you need to make sure that you are not hurt. Some injuries are noticeable, like cuts and bruises, but other injuries are internal and harder to notice. It’s no secret that if you find and treat an injury soon enough, it’s usually easier and takes less time to heal. It’s the holiday season, and no one wants to get hurt. Please always pay attention to your surrounds and be mindful of cars and other people.