Pedestrian accidents are an unfortunately common occurrence nationwide. Part of the problem is that car culture is pervasive, and many people view roadways as solely for drivers. Reducing pedestrian injuries and deaths begins with changing attitudes and educating all travelers about safety precautions for pedestrians in Paramus and beyond.
At Fredson Statmore Bitterman, LLC, our team believes that pedestrian safety must be a communal effort. Our skilled pedestrian accident attorneys are committed to helping injured pedestrians seek full and fair compensation following an accident.
How Can Pedestrians Reduce Their Risk of Being Struck by Cars?
Pedestrian accidents frequently occur in busy intersections and multi-lane roads with a mix of car and foot traffic. The following are some basic safety precautions you can take while walking in these and other areas.
Always Cross at Crosswalks and Obey Traffic Signals
Pedestrians are often blamed for their own injuries because they were jaywalking, which means crossing when they do not have the right of way. Observing traffic signals and crosswalks may not prevent all accidents, but it can reduce your risk and demonstrate your commitment to your own safety.
Avoid Distracted Walking
Drivers are not the only travelers who may be distracted by their phones. If you are looking down at your screen and wearing earbuds, you are unable to pay full attention to your surroundings. If you cannot hear a car approaching or a horn honking, you are at a much greater risk of being struck.
Make Yourself Visible
Many pedestrian accidents happen at night and around sunrise and sunset because the lighting conditions make it much harder for drivers to see people who are walking. If you regularly walk after dark, you may want to invest in safety vests and other apparel with lights and reflective surfaces. This greatly increases the chances that drivers will see you and can avoid you.
While you cannot single-handedly avoid being hit by a car while traveling on foot in Paramus, these protective measures can help mitigate the risk. If you are struck, the fact that you took such precautions could strengthen your legal position in a personal injury case against the at-fault driver.
Drivers Must Do Their Part To Prevent Pedestrian Accidents
Given the size and power imbalance between pedestrians and cars, Paramus drivers play a critical role in safeguarding pedestrians and preventing accidents. New Jersey Statutes Annotated § 39:4-36 specifically requires drivers to:
- Yield to pedestrians crossing the street at marked or unmarked crosswalks
- Stop and remain stopped, including while waiting to turn, until a crossing pedestrian is more than halfway through the intersection
- Never pass a vehicle that has stopped to allow a pedestrian to cross
In addition to these legal obligations, drivers should also follow important safety practices, including:
- Driving slowly and attentively in areas with high pedestrian traffic, and being prepared to stop suddenly if necessary
- Using extra caution in areas where children may be crossing, such as near schools and in residential neighborhoods
The statute further provides that, regardless of specific circumstances, all drivers must exercise a duty of care toward pedestrians, and pedestrians must also take reasonable steps to protect their own safety. In other words, pedestrian safety precautions must be a joint effort.
Call a Paramus Attorney Today About Pedestrian Protection Measures
At Fredson Statmore Bitterman, LLC, our attorneys believe in educating the public about safety precautions for pedestrians in Paramus. If an accident occurs, our dedicated team can help you seek justice and compensation through personal injury litigation.
We make it easy to explore your legal options by offering free initial consultations. If a driver injured you, contact us today to schedule your appointment and learn how our firm can assist you.
