Accidents involving pedestrians and motor vehicles across the United States are happening more and more. However, experience can be a good teacher in some cases. As tragic it is every time there is an accident on the road that involves a pedestrian and the driver of a motor vehicle, if something can be learned from that experience, it has some value.
According to a report from the National Traffic Safety Institute (NTSI), a large number of accidents involving pedestrians and motor vehicles occurs at night. In fact, NTSI has reported a 70 percent increase of nighttime accidents over daytime accidents. According to authorities, there are measures that can be taken to reduce the number of accidents going forward by both pedestrians and motor vehicle drivers.
What can pedestrians do?
The first thing that pedestrians can do is to be aware of the color of their clothing. Pedestrians should wear bright colors while out walking so that motor vehicle drivers can see them easily on the road. Another way to help prevent an accident is if the pedestrians walk facing oncoming traffic. A third measure is to only cross the street in a crosswalk whenever possible and to make sure that the street is well lit.
What can drivers do?
Motor vehicle drivers should always ensure that their lights are on from dusk until dawn. In the winter months, it gets dark earlier and the vehicle lights must stay on for a longer period of time. Drivers should make sure that they are always acutely aware of their surroundings on the road. Many motor vehicles have automatic lights, which are on any time the vehicle is being operated. However, there is a way to switch them off so the drivers should check to make sure that they are always on the correct setting.
Valuable advice from an Ohio personal injury lawyer
If you have been on foot and have been involved in an accident with a motor vehicle, it may be valuable for you to seek the counsel of a knowledgeable personal injury lawyer in Ohio, who can guide you through the process to pursue compensation for medical treatment as well as for quality of life. You deserve compensation for many reasons, including to safeguard your life and health and also because you deserve what is fair and just.