Springtime brings a higher chance of Connecticut pedestrian accidents

As spring arrives, countless Connecticut residents will be hitting the town’s streets and sidewalks on foot to work off some of the “cabin fever” caused by a long, hard winter. With more people out and about, though, there is a higher risk of pedestrian versus car accidents, so it is a good time for a refresher on the rights and responsibilities of both walkers and motorists. Taking some basic precautions can ensure that the road is shared safely and can prevent tragic accidents like the high-profile one that devastated a Milford family in February.

Rules of the road

We all probably remember the most basic rule of pedestrian safety: look both ways before crossing the street. That rule is a key one, but doing that alone won’t keep you safe from the harm posed by fellow pedestrians, bicyclists, motorcyclists and motorists who are sharing the road with you. There are precautions that can be taken by walkers and drivers alike that can make the streets safer, though.

An obvious safety feature is the sidewalk. Walkers should always use the sidewalk if one is available; bicyclists, on the other hand, need to keep both wheels on the roadway. When pedestrians stay on the sidewalk, the chance of being struck by a vehicle decreases dramatically.

Unfortunately, some areas of busy pedestrian traffic – like school zones, residential areas, and around parking lots – are most frequently the sites of pedestrian accidents because drivers are distracted or driving too fast for the conditions. So while staying in marked crosswalks certainly isn’t guaranteed to keep you safe, it will make you more visible to motorists.

Studies have indicated that pedestrians wearing bright, reflective clothing are less likely to be struck, so that is another easy way for pedestrians to keep themselves safe. Interestingly, it seems that walkers distracted by electronic gadgets like phones, texting and mp3 players tend to forget basic safety rules, thus increasing their chances of being involved in an accident. Apparently, those sorts of devices are as equally distracting to pedestrians as they are to drivers.

Picking up the pieces

Have you been involved in a pedestrian accident? Were you injured, or did you tragically lose a loved one? If so, then you should seek care as soon as possible. After medical treatment, though, seriously consider consulting an experienced personal injury attorney in your area to learn more about your legal rights and options you may have to hold responsible parties accountable for the harms you have suffered.