While any mode of travel has undeniable dangers, you probably don’t worry too much about traveling on foot; after all, you are getting great exercise—building muscle, working your heart, and burning calories—and there is the perception that you can control your participation in and proximity to traffic. Unfortunately, fatalities continue to rise for those on foot. Florida is considered to be the most deadly state for pedestrians, meaning you must be extremely careful when walking—whether making that short commute through traffic, exercising, window shopping, or enjoying any type of pedestrian activities.

The most important step you can take is to stay visible. While you may not be considering safety when you make your fashion choice for heading outside, keep in mind that if you are walking at night, wearing dark clothing is a very bad choice. Without any type of bright colors or reflectors, you may be completely invisible to a car or a large truck.

Other tips:

• When walking at night, seek out brightly lit areas. Many fatalities occur in rural pedestrian areas that have insufficient illumination.
• Always walk with a flashlight at night. This is not only a great way to see your path, but also to be seen.
• Be very careful at crosswalks. Even cars that travel these areas every day may forget to slow down, causing fatal accidents or severe injuries. Assume they are not watching out for you.
• Make eye contact with vehicles before you cross or turn. This is one of the best ways to ensure that you are indeed being seen.
• Remember that you also are beholden to traffic rules, even when on foot.

Recent news coverage shows data stating that pedestrian deaths increased by a staggering 35.7 percent between 2008 and 2017—with over 49,000 people dying.

“It’s the equivalent of a jumbo jet full of people dying every single month,” the report says, noting that if 5,000 Americans per year died in plane crashes, air traffic would come to a halt until safety solutions were implemented. “Unlike traffic fatalities for motor vehicle occupants, which decreased 6.1 percent between 2008 and 2017, pedestrian deaths have been steadily increasing since 2009.”

If you or a loved one have been injured in a pedestrian accident due to the negligence of another driver, contact the attorneys at Heintz Law. We’ve helped victims from Bradenton, Sarasota, and all over Florida get compensation for their damages and medical expenses after accidents. Call us for a free consultation now at 941-748-2916 or contact us online. We are here to help!

All blogs are written on behalf of Heintz Law for informational purposes. These articles should not, however, be considered legal advice, or in any way responsible for creating an attorney/client relationship.