Holiday Shoppers Driving Distracted Leads to an Increase in Pedestrian Accident Injuries and Fatalities

Holiday shopping safety tips

The holiday season has begun, and so has the rush of shoppers and pedestrian accidents. The streets and parking lots are full of shoppers, and it is easy to get distracted when in a rush. However, it is very important that drivers and pedestrians use extreme caution and pay attention to their surroundings to avoid accidents.

According to the Governors Highway Safety Association, pedestrian fatalities have increased by 41% in the past ten years. Pedestrian accidents also account for 16% of all traffic deaths. One of the most dangerous places for pedestrians is parking lots. Although motor vehicles are typically driving at slower speeds in parking lots, a pedestrian collision with a motor vehicle at any speed could cause severe injuries or death. The most common cause of parking lot accidents with pedestrians is distracted driving. Distracted driving includes using cell phones, searching for a parking lot spot, and backing up accidents.

The following safety tips can help drivers and pedestrians avoid accidents while shopping this holiday season.

Pedestrian Safety Tips – While you cannot control the behavior of others, these tips can help protect you and those you love.

• Use crosswalks.
• Stay alert and watch out for vehicles.
• Recognize that motor vehicles have blind spots and avoid walking in those blind spots.
• Walk inside the main aisles of the parking lot.
• Walk in highly illuminated areas at night.
• Don’t walk distracted.

Driver Safety Tips

• Always yield to pedestrians.
• Always obey traffic laws.
• Always obey the posted speed limit.
• Avoid backing out of your parking spot by parking your vehicle so that you can drive forward when exiting your parking spot.
• Do not rely on rear camera systems when backing up. Use your mirrors and look behind you as you back up.
• Use additional caution when driving in parking garages.

Pedestrian accident victims often sustain catastrophic bodily injuries. If you or a loved one have been harmed in a pedestrian collision, you or your loved one could be eligible to receive substantial monetary compensation.

CONTACT PARKER WAICHMAN FOR A FREE CASE REVIEW

Parker Waichman LLP helps families recover monetary compensation for harm caused by dangerous drivers. For your free consultation, contact our pedestrian accident lawyers today by using our live chat or calling 1-800-YOUR-LAWYER (1-800-968-7529).