There could be a multitude of potential benefits to walking to and from your destinations, such as saving on the costs of fuel or as a healthier form of travel. However, if you prefer a similar mode of travel, you may still have some concern about your safety and how the decisions of nearby drivers could affect your well-being.
One of the most imposing aspects of walking along Louisiana roads may involve the notion that there might be little to shield you from harm should a collision occur. Since pedestrian accidents can have dire ramifications, taking steps to reduce the risks of the unthinkable may be integral to promoting a safer walking atmosphere.
Promoting safety
As a pedestrian, you might stand little to no chance of reacting to danger and escaping the path of a motor vehicle, even if it is traveling at a lesser speed. Taking steps to reduce the risks of encountering such hazards might be vital to staying safe, some of which may include:
- Know the area: Taking the time to become familiar with your routes could help provide a wealth of useful information on ways to improve your safety and identify potential risks.
- Intersections: Intersections remain a hotspot for pedestrian accidents. Knowing some of the dangers you might face in these areas and finding ways to promote safety while crossing the street may prove essential.
- Eye contact: It may also be vital to make eye contact with nearby drivers before attempting to cross the street, as simply assuming they see you and plan to yield the right-of-way might not always prove favorable.
- Visibility: Taking steps to improve your visibility, such as wearing bright clothing and sticking to well-lit areas, may help increase the chances a nearby driver will spot you before crossing into your path.
It may also be helpful to use caution when walking near obstacles that obscure vision. Avoiding distractions and maintaining constant awareness of your surroundings could also prove imperative.
When the unimaginable occurs
While pedestrian safety tips might help reduce the risks of a collision, you can only control so much of what happens. Should the negligent actions of a nearby driver create a dangerous situation, there may be little you can do to reach safety. The outcome of the incident could leave you with serious or even life-altering injuries. The high costs of medical care and the possibility of losing wages during recovery are two examples of how a similar situation could also place your financial well-being in jeopardy.