Sometimes, there is nothing quite as soothing as going for a long walk at the end of the night. Whether you’re headed for a friend’s home or walking to a store that’s a bit off the beaten path, walking at night doesn’t have to be a frightening experience if you no how to interact with other drivers. For tips on walking down a dark street to avoid calling a pedestrian accident attorney, keep reading. These tips are guaranteed to keep you and drivers on the road safe at all times.
Stay in the Light and Wear Bright Clothing
Seeing while driving in a vehicle is far different from visibility while walking on the road. Drivers are moving at speed and as such, won’t have time to react when they see a pedestrian moving, especially if the pedestrian is wearing dark clothing. Where there are streetlights, there is safety. If drivers can see you at a distance, both you and the driver have more time to react. Stay safe by staying in the light and wearing bright clothes whenever you’re in the dark.
Focus on Walking, First
Instead of letting your eyes roam everywhere, it’s best to focus your attention straight ahead so you avoid veering in another direction. Turning your head abruptly or concentrating on talking on the phone are surefire ways to distract yourself from the challenge of having to walk as a pedestrian at night. Leave all distractions to the side and make sure you know where you’re going. Unexpected dangers arise when pedestrians are not focused on walking before anything else at hand.
Focus on Drivers, Second
Only after you’ve accounted for your own safety can you be sure to account for other drivers. At night, there may be fewer vehicles on the road, meaning you have more time to concentrate on the act of solely walking. Focusing on the drivers, second, means being aware of other vehicle sounds and drivers moving around your area. Consider everything from changing traffic patterns to the speed other drivers are following and, in the end, you’ll be safer than tuning them out. The safest pedestrians know how to balance focusing on their immediate self and the drivers around them. The challenge is staying focused even when you’re tempted to drift away and enjoy the weather.
Don’t Make Sudden Moves
Veering into traffic or shifting your body at the last second is likely to cause an accident. And one you’ll be at the center of. The important thing to remember is that drivers will have to react to you sooner because the chance for them to do decreases the closer they are to your body. Try to keep an even pace and take a second or two to think before you make a move, and that’s even if you feel you’re comfortable on the sidewalk. Other drivers will almost always be able to prepare for danger when a pedestrian is relaxed and deliberate.
A pedestrian accident attorney can help you in the case of an accident. But preventing pedestrian-related injuries comes down to being proactive and safe while walking on the road at night. Cars can emerge on a dark street at any second and for a pedestrian, if you’re making sudden moves, at least having bright clothing will protect you than if you were walking in dark clothes and somewhere in the dark. Keep these safety suggestions in mind and you’ll be okay. Your lawyer only wants what’s best for you.
