At The Gogel Law Firm, our St. Louis personal injury attorney knows that summertime in Missouri means more people walking, riding bikes, and enjoying the outdoors with their coworkers, friends, and families.
From tourists and residents to shoppers and diners, walking to and from their destinations can easily become dangerous circumstances for pedestrians in neighborhoods, cities, and rural areas when negligent drivers are a factor. Unfortunately, more people on foot means an increase in pedestrian accidents throughout the state.
Here are a few things to look out for while walking in Missouri.
What are the Most Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in Missouri?
Each year, according to the Missouri Coalition for Roadway Safety, more than 100 pedestrians, bicyclists, or other non-motorized road users are killed in Missouri traffic crashes.
The most common causes of these accidents include drivers who are:
- Speeding.
- Distracted.
- Impaired.
- Fatigued.
- Inexperienced, namely teen drivers who lack the experience to know how to safely share the road with pedestrians.
Summer in Missouri also means more road construction that can limit pedestrian walkways, or cause lane restrictions that push pedestrian and vehicle traffic closer together, causing tragic accidents with catastrophic injuries and fatalities.
Tips for Staying Safe While On Foot in Missouri
Warmer weather is a great opportunity for Missourians to enjoy outdoor concerts, festivals, and fairs that bring thousands of people to these gatherings on foot. Whether they are waiting to cross the street, or for an Uber, it is important to raise awareness of the dangers to pedestrians, so we can all get home safely.
Basic pedestrian safety includes:
- Be alert, especially in bad weather.
- Cross streets only at intersections or crosswalks. Do not surprise drivers by entering roadways from between parked cars or from behind areas where you are hard to see.
- Do not assume drivers will stop for you. They may not be paying attention and may not see you. Drivers are usually more focused on other cars than on pedestrians.
- Focus on what’s happening around you and remember drivers’ response times can be slower in the rain.
- Obey signs and signals. Use pedestrian crossings, but remember vehicles use that space too.
- Observe traffic lights and signs. Look in all directions before crossing.
- Use sidewalks. If you must walk in the street, walk single file, facing traffic, and stay close to the edge of the road.
- Wear white or light colors and reflective strips and carry a flashlight while walking at night.
- When wearing headphones or earbuds while walking or running, make sure you keep them at a low volume so you can hear the traffic noise.
Contact us our St. Louis Personal Injury Attorney Today at The Gogel Law Firm
If you or someone you love has been injured or killed in a pedestrian accident in Missouri, contact our St. Louis personal injury attorney today to review your case by calling (314) 370-8173 or online to schedule a free consultation to learn more about your legal rights and options to pursue the liable party for your full financial recovery needs.
