Staying safe as a pedestrian in Pennsylvania

The beautiful fall months have many individuals walking and running outside to enjoy the last few moments of warm weather in Pennsylvania. As more individuals utilize public paths or sidewalks, it is essential that they follow all traffic laws that pertain to pedestrians.

In 2016, nearly 6,000 people were killed by moving vehicles in the United States, and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that nearly 129,000 individuals faced injuries while walking or running on public roadways. Whether you live in downtown Pittsburgh or throughout the surrounding suburbs, you and your family still face the potential of being struck by an inattentive driver.

Should you experience serious injuries, you want to contact a personal injury attorney as soon as possible after receiving medical care. These attorneys have the ability to collect and present evidence in court, so that you can obtain maximum compensation for your expenses.

Tips for avoiding injuries as a pedestrian

According to the CDC, one pedestrian dies every hour and half due to a distracted driver. Whether you are a child walking to school or an adult commuting to work, you must follow all available safety regulations to avoid any injuries and expenses.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) offers tips to pedestrians for maintaining safety on the roadway. Pennsylvania law also has regulations on how walkers and runners can avoid being hit by a moving vehicle. Some include:

  • Walk on the opposite side of the roadway of moving traffic
  • Stay on marked sidewalks if possible
  • Bring a flashlight if walking at night
  • Look in all directions for hazards before crossing
  • Remove one or both earbuds to hear approaching vehicles

Should you face serious injuries from a vehicle while you walked or ran, your priorities will involve recovering medically and obtaining compensation. Medical bills increase quickly, and the temporary loss of your ability to work may leave you feeling distraught. To gain all reimbursement for your accident costs, including lost wages, you want to speak with an attorney to file a claim against the driver that injured you. Your attorney will work diligently to ensure you receive all required compensation.