Taking an evening stroll or biking to a friend’s should not end with a trip to the hospital. One way to keep yourself safe while walking is to do so with your personal safety in mind.
Pedestrian accidents have continued to rise over the course of the last few years. The U.S. Department of Transportation estimates that over 6,000 pedestrians died in 2019, while over 76,000 sustained an injury after a vehicle collision. Adopting a few new habits may help you prevent an incident that makes you part of the statistics.
What are the top causes of pedestrian accidents?
Unsafe driving practices combined with some pedestrian oversights may lead to catastrophic consequences. Drivers who drink and drive cause the most crashes, followed closely by those distracted by smartphones. On the pedestrian side of things, distraction may also take a top spot. Walking while talking or texting may take your eyes and mind off other people and vehicles in your path. Crossing the street at places other than designated crosswalks also makes it more likely you will get hurt.
What can you do to stay safe?
When you go out for a walk, do so dressed appropriately. Something that you need to consider is the lighting in the area where you are walking. Wearing bright colors all the time may help vehicles see you, especially in the evening. You should implement reflective clothing and devices while biking or walking at night. Remain diligent and pay attention to the environment around you regardless of the time of day you go out.
Keeping yourself injury-free will make for a longer, happier life.