Risks to watch out for as a pedestrian in spring and summer

The spring is a busy time of year, and as it turns into summer, it’s normal to see pedestrians walking in their neighborhoods and around busy roadways. Unfortunately, there are hazards that could negatively impact you as a pedestrian that you will need to look out for in the coming months.

Spring and summer weather brings more people onto the roads with tourists visiting the area and students getting out of school. To stay safe and avoid a pedestrian crash, you should remember these tips for pedestrians.

1. Watch out for drivers who aren’t paying attention

The first thing to do is to keep an eye out for those who aren’t paying attention. Look for fast-approaching vehicles that don’t seem to have enough time to stop before a crosswalk or that seem to be coming toward where you are. Move out of the way when possible.

2. Don’t rely on drivers following traffic signals

While it would be nice to think that all drivers would follow the traffic laws, don’t rely on them doing so. If you want to cross and have a WALK signal, you should still look both ways for drivers who may be trying to turn on a red light or who haven’t noticed the red light and are speeding toward the intersection.

3. Watch for cyclists and motorcyclists, too

While many pedestrians think they need to be cautious of passenger vehicle drivers most, the truth is that cyclists and motorcyclists can cause issues, too. Although cyclists are not meant to be there, they may be using sidewalks where you’re supposed to be able to walk safely. Similarly, someone on a motorcycle may not be where you expect them to be on the road and could cause a crash.

You deserve support after a pedestrian accident occurs

As a pedestrian, you have a right to walk on sidewalks, to cross the road and to be in other places where pedestrians are allowed. If another party doesn’t follow the traffic laws and hits you, you have a right to look into seeking compensation for the accident they’ve caused.