The Importance of Crosswalk Safety
You don’t have to be a personal injury lawyer in Utah to know that distracted driving has been in the news quite a bit recently. Too many drivers aren’t willing to ignore their cell phones, which leads to numerous car accidents and fatalities every year. The problem is so widespread that safety campaigns and laws forbidding the use of cell phones while behind the wheel are now common.
Most people know that driving while distracted is a bad idea. However, those same people may not have given much thought to their safety while walking. Distracted walking can be just as dangerous as distracted driving. That’s because pedestrians don’t have a vehicle surrounding them. They are incredibly vulnerable, especially while in crosswalks.
Still, it’s becoming increasingly common to see people crossing streets while their eyes never leave their phone’s screen. Crosswalks are designated for pedestrians. Moreover, drivers are required by law to give pedestrians in crosswalks the right of way. This makes people on foot believe that they are safe as long as they’re in a crosswalk. Nothing could be further from the truth.
Drivers frequently fail to give the right of way. Either they don’t see pedestrians or they think they can “beat” the walker through the intersection. This dangerous game of chicken may be especially harmful to the pedestrian who isn’t following basic safety rules.
The best way to cross any street is at a designated crosswalk. If that crosswalk is controlled by a light, then it’s advisable to always obey the “walk” and “don’t walk” signs. Even when the light is in the pedestrian’s favor, it makes sense to look both ways and to proceed with caution. At crosswalks that do not have lights, try to make eye contact with drivers before stepping out into the road. Above all, put your phone down so that you’re tuned in with your surroundings.
If you’ve been injured in a pedestrian accident, then consider contacting a personal injury lawyer in Utah. You may be eligible to receive compensation from an at-fault driver, and Provo lawyers can provide the guidance you need.
