Keep Yourself Safe With These Tips During National Pedestrian Safety Month

The month of October has officially been declared National Pedestrian Safety Month by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA.)  The government agency has set out to bring attention to the on-going challenges faced by pedestrians who are sharing the roads with cars, trucks, and other vehicles.

When thinking about ways to avoid a Connecticut auto accident there are a number of ways you can keep pedestrians who are sharing the road with you safe.  These ways are outlined by the NHTSA to remind those who are driving in vehicles how to keep each other and pedestrians safe.  

1. Slow down.  One of the most common ways that an accident can occur is if the driver of a vehicle is going too fast.  The #1 rule is to always obey the speed limit.  

2. Remain alert.  Distracted driving can affect you when you are on the highway, but it can also dramatically increase the danger that you will get into an accident and injure a pedestrian around town.

3. Obey street signs and lights.  If drivers and pedestrians always follow signs and lights that are designed to direct traffic, there will be a better chance that an accident will not occur.  This is especially true for drivers who must slow at a yellow light and come to a complete stop at a red light.

4. Follow the new pedestrian laws.  A new law passed in Connecticut that went into effect on October 1st allows pedestrians to signal to drivers when they are in a crosswalk and requires that drivers follow the hand signal and stop to let the pedestrian cross.  Failure to follow this new law could result in a fine or worse an accident.

While we’re talking about National Pedestrian Safety Month it is important to recognize the role that drivers have in the safety and protection of pedestrians.  A Connecticut auto accident that involves a pedestrian could cause serious injury or death.

At our office we have experienced attorneys who can review your case and work with you to make sure your long-term interests are being met.  Contact our office today if you’ve been involved in an accident with a pedestrian.