Henderson is a highly walkable city. Residents and visitors can easily get around on foot, including taking care of regular daily errands. Despite the clearly marked walkways and sidewalks, as well as the other measures Henderson has put in place to ensure safety, accidents can still occur. Following these safety precautions for Henderson pedestrians can decrease accident risk and improve outcomes as you travel the city on foot.
If you were injured in a pedestrian accident caused by someone else’s negligence, speak with one of our skilled pedestrian accident attorneys in a free consultation.
While pedestrians have many of the same rights as vehicles on the streets of Henderson, they still must follow relevant traffic laws and take safety precautions. That includes waiting for crossing signals and going across the road in marked crosswalks when available.
When it comes to the safety of Henderson pedestrians, paying attention is one of the most vital. When pedestrians walk around looking at their phones or are more focused on a conversation with friends than on the road around them, they may miss the behavior of drivers or fail to take note of potential hazards. Paying attention can help pedestrians decrease the risk of a severe accident.
For Henderson pedestrians who plan to be out on the streets after dark, wearing the right clothing can make a big difference. Dressing in all dark colors can make it difficult for drivers to see pedestrians against a dark backdrop, increasing the risk of devastating collisions. Bright or reflective clothing can make it easier for drivers to see pedestrians at all times of the day.
For pedestrians who must walk on the road, facing traffic can make it easier to see what’s coming and allow them to get out of the way to avoid a collision. A vehicle that comes up behind a pedestrian unexpectedly can pose a serious danger, but seeing that one is coming allows for better response time.
Where they are available, pedestrians should use sidewalks, rather than walking on the road directly. Sidewalks are intended for pedestrian traffic and help keep drivers and pedestrians separate.
When pedestrians in Henderson need to cross the road, even at intersections and crosswalks, they may struggle to know when it’s safe to do it. Even if crossing signals indicate that they can head on across the road, drivers may not stop in time. Making eye contact with drivers lets pedestrians know that they have been seen and that they can cross safely.
Pedestrians under the influence of alcohol or in social settings may engage in reckless behavior, such as attempting to cross the road unsafely or acting carelessly near traffic. Avoiding such conduct significantly reduces the risk of accidents.
Even if you follow these safety precautions for Henderson pedestrians, a negligent driver may still cause an accident resulting in injuries. In such cases, the injured party could pursue compensation for both economic losses, such as medical expenses and lost income, and non-economic losses, often referred to as pain and suffering. A lawyer could assess the circumstances surrounding the incident and provide clarity on available legal options. Contact us to discuss your rights during your free consultation.
