5 Ways To Keep Pedestrians Safe As A Driver

Most people want to avoid getting into a car accident when they’re driving. Getting into a collision is stressful for everyone involved, even if nothing serious happens. When you drive, it’s vital to pay attention to everyone else on the road around you and even near the road.

It’s of particular importance to watch out for pedestrians. As a driver, you’re in control of a large vehicle that can do a lot of damage to others on the road. While accidents with two or more vehicles are dangerous, hitting a pedestrian puts the pedestrian at a higher risk as they have no protection. All drivers need to share the road and keep an eye out for pedestrians and cyclists.

If you want to keep your community safer, here are some ways to keep your community safer when you get behind the wheel.

The Importance Of Legal, Safe Driving Habits

Remember that there are many reasons to follow traffic laws and be extra careful when behind the wheel. These reasons include:

• Avoiding causing injury to yourself or others. While you can’t completely reduce the risk of accidents, you can make the roads safer overall.
• Reducing the risk of an accident overall. You might not be able to control others on the road, but you can control yourself and your actions.
• Keeping yourself from being at fault. Avoid negligence and being taken to court for a personal injury lawsuit.
• Avoiding traffic tickets. These are costly and impact your insurance payments.
• Looking out for pedestrians. You would want other drivers to watch out for you when you’re a pedestrian, so remember to extend that courtesy when you get into your own vehicle.

Five Ways To Share The Road

Here are five of the best ways to look out for those who are more vulnerable while you’re the one driving a vehicle:

1. Keep an eye out for pedestrians at all times: When driving, it’s best to do quick checks of your surroundings regularly, even if you’re on highways and freeways. If someone is right next to the road, proceed with caution.
2. Yield to pedestrians on crosswalks: Give the crosswalk extra space when stopping, as this will tell vehicles behind you to slow down.
3. Use extra caution when backing up: It isn’t easy to see behind you, so check your mirrors and look behind your vehicle with diligence.
4. Always keep to the speed limit: While it’s always vital to go the speed limit, be extra aware in areas like school zones. And, if the weather or another condition makes the road more hazardous, slow down accordingly.
5. Don’t drive under the influence: Driving while under the influence is extremely dangerous to yourself and others. Keep everyone safe by having someone else drive if you’re intoxicated.

With these five tips in your mind, you’ll be more aware of the pedestrians you share the road with, and you can also apply this driving advice to others on the road. Cyclists are also more likely to be seriously injured if involved in an accident with a vehicle, so be mindful of their presence, too. They have the right to be on most roadways.

Keeping roads safe is a community effort. So, it’s always helpful to tell other drivers about the importance of looking out for pedestrians. With everyone on board, the roads will be much safer.