Pedestrian Safety Tips Issued Amid Increase In Foot Traffic

• 

Knowing that you had the right of way comes as little solace when you’re stuck in a hospital recuperating while the driver of an errant vehicle gets minimal auto repairs completed.

Los Angeles, California (PRWEB) March 11, 2014

Those who have seen an increase in foot traffic in and around Los Angeles are not imagining things. While such a means of getting around was previously relegated to places like Venice Beach, Hollywood, and Santa Monica, it’s now not uncommon for downtown and other bustling environs to see heightened pedestrian levels.

This is great for the environment, but it could spell trouble when commuters don’t keep the necessary safety precautions in mind.

The Nagelberg Bernard Law Group wants pedestrians to remain as safe as possible while walking near vehicles piloted by drivers who may not have the well-being of pedestrians at the forefront of their thoughts. Larry Nagelberg has been assisting injured parties for 30 years, so he wants to make sure that any pedestrian in Los Angeles will benefit from his guidance.

“I’ve witnessed the repercussions of pedestrian accidents,” said Mr. Nagelberg, “and more often than not, the person on foot is going to suffer far more damage than a vehicle. Knowing that you had the right of way comes as little solace when you’re stuck in a hospital recuperating while the driver of an errant vehicle gets minimal auto repairs completed. Given the imbalance, pedestrians have to be even more cautious than those they share the road with.”

With that in mind, pedestrians should keep the following safety information in mind:

1. Emulate The Tonight Show- And retire Jaywalking once and for all. Crossing the street without the appropriate signal puts an individual in danger. Cars may be going faster than originally thought, vehicles could turn right without stopping as they should, and other pedestrians might follow your lead and put themselves in danger.

Lest the injury potential not deter you, consider the recent crackdown carried out over the holidays by the Los Angeles Police Department. The LA Times recently explored this phenomenon in a December 18 editorial entitled “L.A.’s over-the-line crackdown on jaywalking.” That report highlighted the actions of police who were ticketing pedestrians even if they stepped out during the countdown timer, and regardless of how you feel about such a practice, it emphasizes the monetary risk faced by stepping off the curb.

2. Crossing At Crossings- Studies continually show that the most dangerous section of the road to cross is mid-block. Drivers simply do not expect pedestrians to be there. Assuming that a vehicle will stop or slow down is dangerous given the distractions that can get the better of drivers in the modern world. Use the crosswalk and intersections every time.

3. It’s Called A Sidewalk For A Reason- The sidewalk is there to allow pedestrians a safe thoroughfare to navigate. Bikes and vehicles are supposed to keep to the street while pedestrians opt for the sidewalk. A bike lane is not a pedestrian lane, nor is an automobile lane; the road should only be a pedestrian’s lane of travel as a last resort, and whenever such movement is necessary, individuals should approach incoming vehicles rather than walk with traffic.

4. Drunk Walking- The firm commends those who are responsible enough to not get behind the wheel of a vehicle while inebriated. But that’s not the only danger; stumbling out of a bar while drunk can be extremely hazardous if it takes an individual out into the street or causes them to make a poor decision about crossing. Even on foot, stay far away from busy avenues if and when you plan to drink.

5. Cellphone “No Zone”- All sidewalks must be approached as a “no distraction” area. A person doesn’t have to be driving a vehicle to injure oneself or others. Citizens are walking into poles and directly into traffic now on a regular basis because they’re carrying on a conversation or sending a text. Prevent danger by avoiding all distractions and peeling away from the sidewalk when communication becomes necessary.

“In these ways,” said Mr. Nagelberg, “pedestrian injury rates can drop at the same rate that pedestrian traffic continues to climb in Los Angeles.”

The Nagelberg Bernard Law Group represents the victims of numerous types of personal injury situations, including automobile accidents, dog bites, slip and fall incidents, defective products, and wrongful death in any of the above. They have guided injured persons through the legal process for more than 30 years and their efforts have helped secure more than $400 million in compensation for clients. Visit the Nagelberg Bernard Law Group for Los Angeles personal injury resources and a free consultation.

PDF Print