Some will welcome warmer weather as spring arrives while others may mourn the loss of snow and cold temperatures as outdoor winter fun wanes. Whether you welcome the warmer weather or are sad to see weather go, when you get behind the wheel you will want to pay extra attention to the folks who have made their way out of their homes and onto the roads and sidewalks of your neighborhood.
With more people out as the weather gets warmer it stands to reason that Connecticut pedestrian accidents will increase over the next few months. It does not have to be this way though, because there are ways that you, as a driver behind the wheel can do to prevent yourself from getting into an accident with a pedestrian and unnecessarily injuring someone.
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Never drive distracted. Driving distracted is one of the deadliest things you can do behind the wheel for you and for anyone else that is on the road. Put your cell phone away and keep your head up from the radio, especially in areas of your community where pedestrians are often out and about.
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Slow down. Speed kills there is no doubt about that and if you are going too fast behind the wheel it can be difficult for you to slow down in time to avoid a pedestrian who is in the middle of the street.
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Stop at crosswalks. If you are coming up to a crosswalk make sure you slow down and even come to a complete stop (depending on the road you are on) to look for pedestrians crossing into the street.
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Obey all street signs and lights to avoid making any dangerous collisions with a pedestrian. For instance, a “No Turn On Red” sign that gets ignored may lead to a collision with a pedestrian who is crossing at a crosswalk on the street you are turning on to.
When you get behind the wheel of a vehicle you have an obligation to stay alert and be aware of your surroundings. While not every Connecticut pedestrian accident can be avoided completely, making sure you are paying attention and not distracted behind the wheel is one of the best things you can do to prevent an accident from occurring. It may not be entirely on you to prevent this type of accident, but as the driver you have it within your power to make sure you are being safe and careful.
Whether you are a pedestrian or you are driving a vehicle that gets into an accident you may need representation in your situation. Contact our office and one of our experienced attorneys can work with you on protecting your long-term interests.
