Kentucky Safety Tips For Pedestrians & Drivers | Schafer Law

Kentucky Pedestrian Safety Tips

Pedestrians The most common form of transportation that everyone shares is walking. Unfortunately, people who walk are also the most vulnerable ones on the road, stated the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Every two hours, an average of one pedestrian is killed from injuries in a traffic crash. In a day, an average of 445 people are treated for traffic-related pedestrian injuries.

Related: Louisville, KY – 17th Most Dangerous City for Pedestrians

According to CDC, over 4,743 pedestrians died of traffic accidents in 2012, while 76,000 others were injured. This figure has increased from the 4,280 pedestrian deaths recorded in 2010, per the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Not only that, but nearly one in four traffic deaths are among children ages 14 and below.

Walking is a healthy habit. However, it does come with risks. Pedestrians are actually at higher risk than motorists due to their small profile and inability to judge speeds.

Fatal accident involving a pedestrian
On Friday, January 30, 2015, a 58-year-old woman from Louisville was hit by a car and died at the intersection of Second and Jefferson Streets. According to reports, the woman fell down while crossing the street and was hit by more than one car. The victim, Fontaine Jeffery, was rushed to the University Hospital but was pronounced dead at the emergency room.

Safety tips for pedestrians
Both drivers and pedestrian share the responsibility of keeping roads safe for everyone. Pedestrians need to be aware of some basic safety tips when crossing the streets, especially when visibility is low. Here are a few safety tips:

  • Cross the street at a designation crosswalk when they are available.
  • Walk facing traffic and stay on the sidewalk. If there is no sidewalk, walk on the farthermost side of the road.
  • Be seen. Wear reflective color at nights.
  • Avoid all distractions. Put down your phone and headphones. You will be more aware of your surroundings that way.

Related: Tips To Keep Kids Safe Around Kentucky School Zones

Safety tips for drivers
Drivers should also exercise caution when driving, especially at night when pedestrians are harder to see or during extreme weather conditions. Here are some tips:

  • Stop for pedestrians crossing the road.
  • Stay alert, especially when passing through school zones.
  • Do not pass cars that have stopped to make way for pedestrians.

As a Kentucky Accident Attorney, I would like to again remind motorists that pedestrians are the most vulnerable ones on the road. Please make it a habit to yield for them. Also, always stay alert when you’re behind the wheel. You never know what is going to happen while you are driving, so it’s important to be prepared for anything.

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