Should You Walk Toward or Away from Traffic as a Pedestrian?

When you’re a pedestrian, there are a few ground rules you should always keep in mind to reduce your risks of being struck by a vehicle.

First, you should always walk on sidewalks when they’re available. Barring that, put as much distance between yourself and the road as possible when walking on the shoulder.

Second, you should cross the street at crosswalks and only when you get a “walk” signal. Jaywalking isn’t just illegal—it’s extremely dangerous.

And finally, you should walk TOWARDS traffic. When drivers can see your face, they’re less likely to drift towards you, whether you’re on a sidewalk or the shoulder of the road. And by walking towards oncoming vehicles, you’ll have more time to react in case a driver loses control of their vehicle.

Other tips for pedestrian safety include:

• Avoiding distractions while walking, as you need to be able to see and hear traffic nearby to stay safe
• Wearing brightly colored and reflective clothing, especially when walking at night or in the rain
• Sticking to brightly lit paths and residential areas where speed limits are lower
• Never walking on busy highways and interstates, especially when it’s illegal to do so

At Brian Hodgkiss Injury Lawyers, our Appleton pedestrian accident lawyers know the risks that people face when they get around town on foot. Motorcyclists and bicyclists face elevated risks because of their size, and pedestrians often face the highest risks of all from people in passenger vehicles. That’s because pedestrians are difficult to see, especially when drivers aren’t expecting them.

If you or someone you love is ever hurt while traveling on foot, know that you have a legal advocate waiting to help. Contact our firm today for a free consultation.