Foley Griffin's Top 3 Tips
As college students across the country return to campus, college campuses and the surrounding areas are seeing a significant increase in pedestrian traffic. For college students, navigating busy streets and intersections is an everyday reality. However, the hustle and bustle of campus life can sometimes lead to negligence when it comes to pedestrian safety.
At Foley Griffin, we understand the importance of staying safe while walking, which is why we've compiled this list of our top 3 essential pedestrian safety tips specifically tailored for college students.
#1 Obey Traffic Signs, Crosswalks, & Signals
As pedestrians, college students are not exempt from following applicable traffic regulations. This includes waiting for the walk signal at a traffic light before crossing the street, using designated crosswalks, and not jaywalking. In many cities, jaywalking or crossing against lights can lead to heavy fines and cause accidents. It's especially important to familiarize yourself with these rules if you are a student in a new city.
One of the most critical aspects of pedestrian safety revolves around obeying posted traffic signs, crosswalks, and signals.
As pedestrians, we share the responsibility for maintaining safety on the roads. Following these rules not only protects your safety but also helps maintain order and predictability in traffic patterns, reducing the risk of accidents. Remember, a little patience can go a long way in ensuring your safety and the safety of others on the road.
#2 Stay Alert and Avoid Distractions
Navigating campus and city streets requires undivided attention and awareness. Engaging in seemingly harmless activities, such as texting on your phone or listening to music while heading to class, can significantly increase the risk of incidents. It's crucial to remain alert and conscious of your surroundings to quickly react to potential hazards and make safer decisions. Distractions like headphones or excessive phone use can compromise your ability to stay fully aware of the traffic around you.
Quick tips to avoid distractions while walking:
- Stay off your phone: Save texting, calling, or social media browsing for when you're safely off the streets.
- Limit the use of headphones: If you must listen to music, keep the volume low or use only one earbud so you can still hear traffic and other potentially important sounds.
- Stop to check your navigation: If you need to check a map or GPS, stop walking and move to the side of the sidewalk.
- Stay mindful and present: Keep your mind on your environment and not on daydreams or concerns about your daily schedule.
- Keep your eyes on the road: Always watch the street, the cars, and other pedestrians around you.
#3 Increase Your Visibility
Becoming more visible is a critical step in enhancing pedestrian safety, especially during the night or in low-light conditions. Increasing visibility helps drivers and other road users recognize and respond adequately to your presence, thereby significantly reducing the potential for accidents.
Walking in Groups: Mobility in numbers is a simple yet effective strategy to increase your visibility. Group walking makes it easier for drivers to spot pedestrians and can also offer more safety in numbers.
Reflective Clothing: An excellent way to enhance your visibility is by wearing reflective clothing or vests, particularly when walking at night. Reflective materials bounce back the light from car headlights, making you stand out more visibly. Reflective vests are widely available and can be purchased inexpensively online.
Carrying Flashlights: A small but powerful tool to increase your visibility is a flashlight. Holding a lit flashlight while walking, especially on your keychain, makes you more visible to oncoming traffic and helps you see your path more clearly.
By increasing your visibility, you are not only safeguarding yourself but also aiding drivers in maintaining safe driving practices. Remember, your safety is paramount, and every step taken towards increasing visibility significantly contributes to a safer pedestrian experience.
What to Do If You Are Injured as a Pedestrian
If you, your child, or a loved one is injured as a pedestrian, taking the proper measures immediately following the incident can make a significant difference. Below, we offer a few helpful steps you can take in the immediate aftermath of an accident.
Here are five steps you can take after an accident:
- Seek immediate medical attention.
- Report the incident.
- Document the incident.
- Do not admit fault.
- Consult an experienced attorney.
After an accident, you might be scared, confused, or overwhelmed. Taking these steps can ensure your rights are protected and improve your chances of receiving just compensation for your injuries. Trusting a knowledgeable personal injury attorney like ours at Foley Griffin can significantly influence the outcome of your case. We’re here to support you every step of the way.
Contact us today to discuss your situation.