Top 7 Pedestrian Safety Tips Around Traffic

The St. Petersburg Times recently filed a report of another victim of a hit and run which seems to occur all too frequently in the greater Clearwater area. A driver who doesn’t stop to help and accept responsibility for their part in a pedestrian/motor vehicle accident commits an unspeakable act. Hit and run victims often die or suffer serious injuries, leaving grieving family members to question – why anyone would injure, or kill someone, and just leave?

Under Florida Law, drivers have a legal responsibility to stop and exchange information following an accident involving personal injury or property damage; this includes drivers who hit pedestrians. It is known as the ‘Duty to Give Information and Render Aid.’ A driver who leaves the scene of an accident with injury in Florida faces serious criminal charges.

Nationally, police say 4 in 5 drivers who flee the scene of an accident have something to hide: drunk driving, bad licenses, outstanding warrants or no insurance. The reality is hit and runs killed 1,557 people in the U.S. in 2003.  And 1 in 5 pedestrians who die in fatal accidents involve hit and run drivers.

Being an alert pedestrian is the best way to avoid becoming a hit and run victim.

Top 7 Pedestrian Safety Tips Around traffic:

• Obey traffic signals
• Look left, then right, then left again before crossing the street, even when in a crosswalk
• Watch for turning vehicles when crossing
• Remain alert and aware of cars as they approach and pass you
• Do not assume drivers see you because you see them
• When sidewalks are not present, walk as far away from the roadway as possible
• If walking at night wear retro reflective and light-colored clothing

Seeking compensation against a negligent driver in a hit and run requires the assistance of a lawyer, one who understands how to find insurance coverage that may apply to pay for injuries suffered by a pedestrian.

Contact a Clearwater pedestrian accident lawyer who is committed to holding irresponsible drivers accountable when they DO NOT:

• Obey traffic lights or stop signs
• Understand green lights are for walkers too
• Stop at crosswalks
• Look before making right turns
• Yield right of way to pedestrians
• Follow posted speed limits in residential areas

We help people everyday who have suffered injury due to negligent drivers. Contact Jim Dodson Law today for a free case consultation at 1-888-340-0840.