Pedestrian Injury Claims: Safety Tips When School Is in Session
With local schools and universities back in session, there is an increase in foot traffic, both in Charleston and throughout the palmetto state. Sidewalks and street corners are filled with grade school students either walking to school or waiting for the bus, while downtown intersections are bursting with college students trying to navigate their way throughout the city, many for the first time. Unfortunately, this increase in foot traffic can also mean an increase in the number of pedestrian accidents, with the potential for causing injuries that can be severe and even life threatening. Whether you are a student, parent, or a driver, it is important to be aware of safety precautions you can take to protect yourself and those you care about.
Safety Tips for Students and Parents to Avoid Pedestrian Accidents
According to a pedestrian accident reports from the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA), as many as 5,000 pedestrians are killed each year in the U.S., while more than 150,000 suffer serious and potentially debilitating injuries. Unfortunately, the GHSA states that South Carolina alone sees as many as 100 of these types of fatalities each year, a number which ranks as the seventh highest in the nation. To help protect against these types of injuries, the South Carolina Department of Public Safety offers a variety of back to school resources for both parents and students, encouraging pedestrians to follow these safety tips:
- Always use sidewalks, and never walk or stand in the roadway
- Use crosswalks and wait for traffic signals when crossing busy intersections
- Make eye contact with motorists, and never just assume they see you
- When walking at night or during the pre-dawn hours, make sure to wear bright, reflective clothing to increase your visibility
- Use caution at bus stops, and always wait for the bus to come to a complete stop before attempting to board
- Avoid distractions, such as ear buds and texting, while walking
For a free legal consultation, call 803-222-2222
Tips for Drivers to Avoid Pedestrian Accidents
During the school year, motorists need to be especially careful to avoid pedestrian accidents involving students. The
American Automobile Association (AAA) advises drivers to take the following precautions:
- Reduce your speed near schools and bus stops
- Watch for changes in speed limits during times when students are either going to or coming home from school
- Use caution when approaching crosswalks, and make sure all students are across before attempting to proceed
- Pay attention to conditions around you, and avoid driving distractions such as texting and talking on your cellphone
- Be aware of your car’s blind spots, particularly when pulling out of parking spaces
- Come to a complete stop for school buses loading or unloading passengers, and watch for students who may dart into traffic
Get Help From a South Carolina Pedestrian Accident Attorney
If you or someone you care about is injured in a pedestrian accident, contact Anastopoulo Law Firm. Our experienced South Carolina pedestrian accident attorneys can advise you on your best course of action and assist you in getting the compensation you need to recover.
Call or text 803-222-2222 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
