According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, on average, a pedestrian death occurs every 2 hours and another pedestrian-related injury occurs every 8 minutes.
Technical Assistance to Reduce Pedestrian Accidents
Arizona, with the help of the Federal Highway Administration, has received technical assistance to reduce injuries, fatalities, and crashes, in the form of construction of new sidewalks, development of safe routes to schools, and the installation of High-intensity Activated Crosswalks (HAWKs).
Pedestrians Don’t Always Have the Right-of-Way
It might be shocking to hear, but pedestrians do not always have the right-of-way. According to Arizona law, pedestrians only have the right-of-way when walking within marked crosswalks. There are also exceptions made for unmarked crosswalks. The right-of-way is not given to pedestrians when they cross at any place other than a crosswalk.
Arizona Law
According to Arizona law, pedestrians have an obligation to never, “suddenly leave any curb or other place of safety and walk or run into the path of a vehicle that is so close that it is impossible for the driver to yield” (A.R.S. § 28-792).
Be a Good Pedestrian
There are ways to ensure your safety as a pedestrian. Here are some precautions to take:
- Be cautious and remain alert when crossing streets at busy intersections.
- Increase your visibility by wearing bright reflective clothing or carrying a flashlight at night.
- If there are no sidewalks where you are walking, walk facing traffic.
- Teach your children to look in both directions before crossing streets.
- If possible, only cross at designated crosswalks.
- Don’t assume being in a crosswalk means you are safe.
Pedestrian Accident Attorney
If you have been injured in a pedestrian accident, you should contact an attorney that focuses on these types of cases. They are well versed in the laws that govern car and pedestrian accidents, and can help ensure you get a fair settlement.
If you’ve suffered from a pedestrian accident, you need the expert advice of motor vehicle accident attorneys such as those at Personal Injury Attorneys PLLC.
