Pedestrians face a significantly heightened risk of injury in collisions with motor vehicles during nighttime hours. This necessitates a heightened sense of awareness and a more cautious approach to walking after dark.
Some of the key factors contributing to this increased risk of a pedestrian accident include:
- Reduced visibility. Darkness significantly limits a driver's ability to spot pedestrians, especially those not wearing reflective clothing.
- Impaired driver visibility. Headlights may not adequately illuminate pedestrians, particularly at a distance or around corners. Additionally, factors like rain, fog, or oncoming traffic can further impede a driver's vision.
- Pedestrian behavior. Visibility limitations can also affect pedestrians' ability to judge distances and oncoming traffic speeds accurately.
These elements combine to create a situation where both drivers and pedestrians have less time to react and avoid a collision. By taking extra precautions at night, pedestrians can significantly mitigate these risks and promote their safety.
How to Stay Safe When Walking at Night
To stay safe while walking at night, pedestrians should consider the following:
Increase Your Visibility
You should wear bright colors that drivers can easily spot or even opt for reflective clothing or add reflective gear like vests, armbands, or ankle bands for maximum visibility. Carrying a flashlight or headlamp to illuminate your path and improve your own visibility to drivers can also be helpful; you can use them to see where you are walking and also as a type of headlight.
Plan Your Route
While it can be nice to take a spontaneous stroll around the neighborhood or other areas, you should try to plan ahead as much as possible. That way, you can stick to well-lit streets with functioning streetlights and avoid poorly lit areas, alleys, and shortcuts whenever possible.
In knowing your route, you can also plan to walk on sidewalks whenever available. If there's no sidewalk, face traffic and walk on the shoulder as far away from the road as possible.
Be Alert & Attentive
While walking, you should be aware of your surroundings and should:
- Obey traffic signals. Adhere to all traffic signals and crosswalks. Don't assume drivers see you, even in a crosswalk. Make eye contact with drivers before crossing. It is important to note that you should not solely rely on traffic signals, though. While walking at night, still look both ways and look at the roadways before crossing, even if the signal says you can walk; cars may run red lights or make hasty right turns, and you can avoid collisions by being aware of what drivers are doing.
- Keep the distractions down. Avoid using headphones or phones while walking, especially when crossing streets. Stay alert to your surroundings and listen for traffic.
Take Additional Safety Measures
You can also consider doing the following to stay safe:
- Walk with a buddy. If possible, walk with a friend or group, especially in late hours. There's safety in numbers and someone to call for help if needed.
- Trust your gut. If you feel unsafe in an area, change your route or avoid it altogether. It's better to take a longer, well-lit path than risk walking in a dangerous area or areas where you know cars may go fast around curves or speed in residential areas.
- Mind your step. Be extra cautious of uneven surfaces, potholes, or debris at night. They might be harder to see in low light and cause slip-and-fall accidents.
Injured in a Pedestrian Accident? Contact Our Firm!
If you or someone you know has been involved in a nighttime pedestrian accident, remember that you have rights and options. At Pierce, Sloan, Kennedy & Early LLC, our experienced team understands the unique challenges that come with nighttime pedestrian accidents and is ready to provide the guidance and representation you need.
Reach out to us via phone at (843) 968-0886 or using our online contact form and request a consultation.