Ways to Avoid Pedestrian Harm
Being a pedestrian in Toronto can be a frightening experience in more congested areas of the city. Between angry drivers trying to orient themselves through narrow streets, streetcars, buses, and cyclists, being a pedestrian can be a dance with death. A pedestrian accident resulting in a spinal injury claim is a common occurrence in the city and can have life changing effects on a person’s well-being.
Ways to avoid Pedestrian harm include wearing light colors at night so that drivers can see the person walking across the street. Also, paying attention to street lights and walking at appropriate pedestrian crosswalks is essential. Creating alternative walking routes off of roadways for pedestrians such as walking trails and pedestrian-only walkways in congested areas help to divide pedestrians from moving vehicles. Drivers also need to drive slowly and practice appropriate driving speeds to avoid hitting pedestrians. Practicing attentive and defensive driving will reduce risks to pedestrians resulting in spinal injury claims as well.
Pedestrian Safety and Children
Child pedestrian safety is paramount, as children are at high risk of being hit by a car if safe walking practices are not followed. In 2012, one in every five driving accidents involving children were caused by being hit as a pedestrian. Causes include lack of proper education for safe street crossing, decreased adult supervision, increased speed of driving, and jaywalking. It is especially important for children to practice safe walking because they are smaller, and it is more difficult for drivers to see them while driving. Most child pedestrian accidents resulting in spinal injury claims occur in September and October when children are returning to school, and the weather is still appropriate for walking.
Sources
http://www.cdc.gov/motorvehiclesafety/pedestrian_safety/
http://www.parachutecanada.org/injury-topics/item/pedestrian-safety-tips