Nighttime Walking Safety: 6 Tips Every Pedestrian Should Know

Pedestrians are among the most vulnerable people on the road. If you happen to be walking at night, the risk of being involved in a pedestrian accident increases significantly, which can lead to catastrophic injuries like traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, and, in worst cases, wrongful death can occur. According to data, over 7,300 pedestrians lost their lives in the U.S. while walking along roads or crossing streets in 2021. A staggering three out of four of these fatalities happened after nightfall. These numbers demonstrate that walking at night is more hazardous than during the day. Reduced visibility, driver inattention, excessive speed, and pedestrian behavior play significant roles in nighttime pedestrian accidents.

While pedestrian accidents are often caused by driver negligence, pedestrians must take extra caution to protect themselves, and understanding proper safety measures to reduce such accidents as pedestrians is essential. Read on to learn six vital tips for walking after nightfall.

1. Wear Reflective Clothing

Dark clothing can make you almost invisible at night, potentially leading to accidents. To increase your visibility, wear light-colored or reflective clothing. You can even go the extra mile by adding reflective tape or blinkers to your clothing, bag, or shoes to let drivers see you from a distance.

2. Carry a Light Source

A flashlight or a headlamp can be very resourceful when walking at night. Not only does it help you see where you are going, but it also helps drivers become aware of your presence. If you don’t have a flashlight, your phone’s flashlight feature can also be handy.

3. Stay On Well-Lit Sidewalks or Pathways

Whenever possible, walk on sidewalks or designated pedestrian paths. If a sidewalk isn’t available, walk as close to the curb as possible, facing traffic so that you can see oncoming vehicles. This way, you are better positioned to react if a driver doesn’t see you.

4. Cross at Designated Crosswalks

Always use a designated crosswalk or intersection even if the road seems clear and there is no traffic. Jaywalking at night is extremely dangerous, as drivers may not anticipate a pedestrian crossing in an unexpected location.

5. Avoid Distracted Walking

Just as distracted driving is dangerous, so is distracted walking. Scientists call the phenomenon “inattentional blindness,” where the brain struggles to focus on multiple tasks simultaneously. When texting, scrolling, or talking on the phone, your brain isn’t fully engaged in your surroundings. This can result in failing to notice a vehicle or being unable to react quickly. As such, avoid looking down at your phone while walking, listening to music at high volume or being in deep conversations with friends to ensure you can hear an approaching vehicle. Stay alert and keep your eyes and ears alert at all times.

6. Be Cautious Around Driveways and Parking Lots

Pedestrian accidents occur not only on the streets but also in parking lots and driveways. When walking past entrances or exits, watch for cars pulling out and make eye contact with drivers before crossing.

Have You or a Loved One Been Injured in a Pedestrian Accident?

If you’ve been injured in a Maryland pedestrian accident, contact our experienced Towson pedestrian accident lawyer at Hardball Law. We proudly serve Towson, Baltimore, and all of Maryland. Call us at 410-494-7400 today to discuss your case and learn more about your legal options.

Source:

ncja.org/crimeandjusticenews/pedestrian-deaths-at-night-have-increased-since-2009#:~:text=In%202021%2C%20more%20than%207%2C300%20pedestrians%20died%20in%20America%2C%20three%20in%20four%20of%20them%20during%20the%20hours%20between%20sunset%20and%20sunrise.