What Can Drivers Do to Prevent Pedestrian Accidents in Colorado?

 Posted on August 22, 2019 in Personal Injury

When it comes to pedestrian accidents involving motorists, both parties can be at fault. However, with vehicles having more protection and power than a person walking down the street, drivers have a different level of responsibility when getting behind the wheel. A pedestrian can be put into a dangerous situation by the actions of a driver, even if the person behind the wheel is following the law. Each year, approximately 5,000 pedestrians are killed in an accident with a vehicle. Many more are injured, and these injuries can have lifelong effects. If a pedestrian suffers injuries due to the negligence of a motorist, he or she may be entitled to compensation.

Safety Tips for Motorists

According to the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT), the number of pedestrian fatalities went up 11 percent from 2016 to 2017. To help avoid more fatalities, it is a good idea to review safety measures when it comes to sharing the road. Below are some tips drivers can follow to help prevent accidents with pedestrians: 

• Avoid Distracted Driving: When a person is behind the wheel, distractions can abound that may take their attention away from other motorists or hazards on the road. Cell phones are one of the biggest causes of accidents involving distracted driving. A driver may feel they need to check the weather, look up directions, or respond to a text while en route to their destination. Averting attention from driving for even a second can cause a deadly accident for a pedestrian. As a motorist, the best safety tip in regards to distracted driving is to focus only on the road. 

• Follow the Law: Road signs and traffic laws are there to keep everyone safe. A reduced speed limit may be in place to account for a road’s terrain or to protect the safety of people in a residential area. Speeding on a steep, curvy road may not give a driver enough time to see a pedestrian around the corner. Many intersections have designated signs and instructions for pedestrian safety. At a crosswalk, pedestrians have the right of way, which is the lawful right to act on the road. Drivers should yield to pedestrians and be extra aware when traveling near crosswalks. 

Contact a Fort Collins Personal Injury Lawyer

When drivers do not take proper precautions, pedestrians may suffer the consequences. Getting hit by a car can cause severe injuries and possibly death. The experienced legal team at Hoggatt Law Office, P.C. has handled many types of personal injury cases, and we are well-versed in determining liability and helping our clients receive financial compensation for their injuries. If you have been struck by a car while walking or biking, contact a knowledgeable Larimer County pedestrian accident attorney to discuss your options. Call our office today at 970-225-2190 to schedule a free consultation. 

Sources:

https://www.codot.gov/programs/bikeped/information-for-pedestrians

https://leg.colorado.gov/sites/default/files/images/olls/crs2017-title-42.pdf