Staying Safe as a Pedestrian and Avoiding Accidents in San Antonio Texas and Dealing With Pedestrian Injuries
The Texas Department of Transportation (TXDoT) released alarming statistics recently, indicating a growing concern for pedestrian safety. According to TXDoT, pedestrian fatalities totaled 828 in 2022, a 0.24% increase from 2021. In addition, pedalcyclist fatalities totaled 91 in 2022, marking a 1.11% increase from the previous year. As Texans, it’s crucial for us to understand how to stay safe on the roads, whether we’re walking, biking, or driving. If, however, you or someone you know has been injured in a pedestrian accident, Forrest Welmaker with the Welmaker Law Firm, who is board-certified in Personal Injury Law, can provide expert legal guidance.
Safety Measures for Pedestrians
Daytime:
Stay on Sidewalks: Always use sidewalks where available. If none, walk facing traffic as far to the left as possible.
Cross at Designated Crosswalks: Use pedestrian crosswalks or intersections whenever possible.
Be Visible: Wear bright-colored clothing to increase your visibility to drivers.
Nighttime:
Wear Reflective Materials: Use reflective clothing or accessories, or carry a flashlight, to make yourself more visible in the dark.
Stay in Well-lit Areas: Stick to routes that are brightly lit where drivers can easily see you.
Avoid Distractions: Limit the use of devices that take your attention from the road.
Safety Measures for Drivers
Daytime:
Observe Speed Limits: Always follow the speed limits, especially in areas with high pedestrian traffic.
Be Extra Cautious at Crosswalks and Intersections: These are high-risk areas for pedestrian accidents.
Eliminate Distractions: Avoid using mobile phones or any distracting devices while driving.
Nighttime:
Use Headlights Correctly: Ensure your headlights are properly adjusted and use them to see and be seen.
Be Vigilant: Be extra vigilant and look out for pedestrians who may not be easily visible.
Maintain a Safe Speed: Drive at a speed that will allow you to stop safely if a pedestrian unexpectedly steps onto the road.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian accident, legal help is readily available. Forrest Welmaker, with his specialization in Personal Injury Law, is equipped to guide you through the process of a pedestrian injury claim. Importantly, hiring a board-certified attorney like Forrest Welmaker does not come with extra costs. Instead, it ensures that you are represented by an attorney with recognized expertise in the field.
The Welmaker Law Firm offers a free case evaluation to help you understand your options and the best way forward. They can be reached at 210-828-6033. If you find yourself dealing with the aftermath of a pedestrian accident, don’t hesitate to reach out and take the first step towards seeking justice.