pedestrian accident attorney

Pedestrian Accidents Likely to Increase Due to COVID-19

In Mississippi and throughout the country, we have had “stay-at-home” orders in place to help people stay safe during the coronavirus outbreak. More and more people are working out of their homes, and there has been a decrease in vehicle traffic as a result. This does not necessarily make the roadways safer, however. Lighter traffic can make it easier for motorists to drive faster and more recklessly, which could cause more high-speed crashes.

While a growing number of people have been at home, many of them have incorporated walking into their normal daily routines. With the gyms closed, walking and jogging are some of the best ways for us to get exercise. As the weather gets warmer, pedestrian activity is likely to continue increasing, which could result in an increase in pedestrian accidents.

During times like these, it is important for both motorists and pedestrians to be extra cautious in order to avoid a collision that could potentially turn deadly:

For Motorists

  • Avoid Distractions: Although most drivers are aware of the dangers of distracted driving, far too many of them use their phones to send and receive texts and other type of electronic messages while behind the wheel. Looking down at your phone can cause you to miss important details on the road, such as a pedestrian crossing the road in front of you.
  • Follow Traffic Laws: As we touched on earlier, lighter traffic might invite more temptation to drive faster. But speeding is always dangerous, because you have less time to make adjustments if adverse road conditions arise. Stay within the speed limit and follow other traffic laws to ensure that everyone on the roadways stay safe.
  • Don’t Drink and Drive: Another dangerous practice that far too many motorists still engage in is getting behind the wheel after having too much to drink. Driving drunk impairs your judgment and generally leads to poorer driving decisions.
  • Drive with Plenty of Rest: Driving while tired or fatigued puts motorists in danger of falling asleep behind the wheel, which can result in catastrophic consequences, especially if you strike a pedestrian. But even if you do not fall asleep, drowsy driving can still cause you to lose your peripheral vision and miss important things on the road.
  • Look Out for Pedestrians: With more people out walking, motorists need to be mindful of the increased number of pedestrians that are out there. Pay particular attention to pedestrian traffic in your own neighborhood.

For Pedestrians

  • Be Alert: Motorists are not the only ones that are susceptible to being distracted by their cell phones. Be very careful about texting, watching videos, taking selfies, and other smartphone activity while you are walking. Stay continually alert to your surroundings, and always put your phone away when you are crossing the road.
  • Obey the Rules: Know what the traffic rules are in the area you are walking and follow them. For example, make sure to only cross the road at designated crosswalks or in other areas were crossing is legal.
  • Be Seen: Do everything you can to stay visible. If you are walking during the day, wear brightly colored clothing. If you are walking at night, where lightly colored or reflective clothing. Whenever possible, walk in safe areas where there is plenty of lighting and sidewalk space, and always try to make eye contact with drivers before crossing the road in front of them.
  • Be Sober: Roughly half of all pedestrian accidents involve alcohol consumption. Approximately two-thirds of alcohol related pedestrian crashes involve a driver who is impaired, but the other one-third involve an impaired pedestrian. Whether you are behind the wheel or walking around town, alcohol consumption is ill-advised.

Injured in a Pedestrian Accident in Mississippi? Gardner Law Firm is Here to Help

If you or a loved one suffered injury in a pedestrian accident, the Gardner Law Firm is ready to serve your needs. The courts may be backlogged for a little while as we come out of the COVID-19 pandemic, but we are fully operational, and we have the technology and resources to provide the skilled personalized representation our clients have come to expect.

In Gulfport, Pascagoula, Biloxi, Ocean Springs, or anywhere else in southern Mississippi, call our office today at (228) 900-9618 or message us online for a free consultation with a member of our legal team.