These Tips Can Reduce Pedestrian Accidents in Charlotte

Even though drivers aren’t likely to suffer severe injury during a crash between a motor vehicle and a person on the street, a pedestrian accident can certainly traumatize a driver and change their life for the worse. You can minimize the risk of a pedestrian accident turning your life upside-down by staying alert and following a few relatively simple safety tips:

• Watch out for children. Children tend to have less awareness of their surroundings and local traffic laws than adults, so they’re especially vulnerable to injury by a motor vehicle. As a driver, you should always remain cautious when traveling through school zones, parks, and playgrounds or past a stopped school bus.
• Slow down for crosswalks. Crosswalks aren’t just a safety measure to protect pedestrians — they also protect drivers by cutting down on jaywalking and creating a designated area where motorists can expect foot traffic. Drivers should respect this function by treating crosswalks with caution and giving pedestrians, especially those with disabilities or special needs, the right of way. When you approach a crosswalk, always slow down and scan both sides carefully, even if the crosswalk appears to be empty; joggers and bicyclists use crosswalks too, so just because you don’t see someone in or approaching the crosswalk doesn’t mean it will be empty for long. Lastly, remember to be especially vigilant while you’re turning through a crosswalk; traffic may be stopped to allow you to turn, but in North Carolina, pedestrian traffic always has the right-of-way in a crosswalk.
• Be careful and take your time when backing out of a driveway or parking space. Always check your mirrors when backing out, but don’t rely on them exclusively — turn around and actually look behind your car, being especially careful to watch out for smaller children who may not be visible through rearview mirrors.
• Be mindful of driving conditions. Wet weather always adds to a vehicle’s stopping distance, so make sure to adjust your speed accordingly. Otherwise, you may not be able to stop in time even if you spot a pedestrian in the roadway with what seems like ample time to react.
• Save the distractions for later. The dangers of distracted driving are well known, with many studies indicating that trying to text or talk on the phone while driving is more dangerous than operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated. While drivers should never text or email while driving, it is especially important to be vigilant when driving in areas with heavy pedestrian traffic or neighborhoods where there may be cars on the street and obstructed views. Remember that no text or email is worth causing an accident.