Hard statistics pertaining to pedestrian accidents in San Antonio can be hard to pin down, mainly because so many of them go unreported. We do know for sure that according to the Governors Highway Safety Association, the number of pedestrian/traffic fatalities leaped over 11 percent in 2016.

With Pedestrian Accidents in San Antonio also on the rise, let’s look at what we can do — behind the wheel and on foot — to avoid serious injury and death.

Stay Off Cell Phones When in Motion

Both drivers and walkers can decrease the chances of an accident by putting their phones away and keeping their eyes on their surroundings. Studies have shown drivers can cover the length of a football field or more when they think they’re glancing at their phones “for just a second.” In addition, pedestrians have been known to walk right into traffic, walls, or construction hazards on the sidewalk without looking.

Increase Your Visibility

Drivers can increase their chances of being seen by keeping their headlights on both day and night. Likewise, pedestrians need to be aware that as a smaller, slower-moving target, they aren’t as likely to be noticed at a distance as a larger object. Wearing brightly colored, reflective clothing at night helps, but in addition, consider wearing reflective trim that accentuates the body’s movement, which is more likely to catch the eye.

Obey Traffic Laws

Again, both drivers and walkers bear some responsibility for preventing pedestrian accidents in San Antonio. Drivers should not block crosswalks when waiting to make a turn, or step on the gas to avoid having to wait for a pedestrian to clear the crosswalk. Walkers should cross streets only at designated, clearly marked points and should do so only after having checked for approaching traffic, even when they have the right of way.

When pedestrian accidents in San Antonio occur, who’s at fault is too often a moot point. In the collision between a ton or two of steel and a human body, the human body is going to come out the loser. The attorneys at Pat Maloney understand this, so call us today.

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