Pedestrian sign to help people walking
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By Joseph Dell
Managing Partner

Pedestrian accidents are becoming increasingly common, particularly with the advent of smartphones, which have drastically increased the number of distracted drivers on the road. In fact, in 2019 alone, over 6,000 people were killed in pedestrian accidents. Although some accidents are unavoidable, there are specific steps you can take to decrease your odds of being involved in a pedestrian accident in New York. In this article, we provide some tips to prevent pedestrian accidents. 

Walk on the Sidewalk

As a pedestrian, the safest place is on the sidewalk. However, even while on the sidewalk, it’s important to remain alert and cognizant of traffic. If walking on the road is unavoidable, always face traffic on the outermost edge of the road and stay as far away from passing vehicles as possible. 

Maintain Situational Awareness

As a pedestrian in New York, especially New York City, it’s important always to maintain situational awareness. Therefore, while walking near traffic, always remain aware of what’s going on around you, and don’t allow distractions, such as smartphones or headphones, to get you into a dangerous situation. 

Wear Visible Clothing

As a pedestrian, you must ensure that drivers can see you. One way to do this is to wear clothing that drivers can easily spot. During the day, bright colors make you more visible to drivers. However, At night, you should wear reflective clothing and a flashlight to make yourself more visible. 

Make Sure Drivers See You

Even if you are in a visible location and wearing appropriate clothing, never assume drivers can see you. With distractions everywhere, it’s easy for drivers to miss you even when you are dressed appropriately. Therefore, before you cross in front of a car at a crosswalk or other appropriate location, be sure to make eye contact with the vehicle operator and wave to ensure that he or she has seen you. If the driver fails to respond to you, the safest choice is to wait for the vehicle to pass before you cross. 

Always Carry Your Wallet and Phone with You

Finally, when traveling on foot, you should always carry your wallet and phone. Although this won’t help prevent an accident, it will leave you prepared should an accident occur. Carrying your phone can help ensure that you can call for help if you’re involved in an accident, and carrying your wallet will give responders access to your ID to help identify you if you’re unable to communicate.  

Contact Our New York Pedestrian Accident Attorney 

If you or a loved one have suffered a pedestrian accident injury in Long Island, New York, you should contact the experienced pedestrian accident attorneys of Dell & Dean, PLLC, for assistance. When you come to us for assistance with your pedestrian accident case, we will examine the circumstances surrounding the accident, plan a legal strategy, and aggressively seek financial compensation on your behalf. Please contact us as soon as possible to schedule a consultation with a Long Island pedestrian accident attorney

Dell & Dean, PLLC, represents clients throughout Nassau County, Suffolk County, and Garden City on Long Island, as well as the boroughs of New York: Queens, Brooklyn, Staten Island, Manhattan, and the Bronx.

About the Author
Joseph G. Dell, the firm’s Managing Partner, is regarded as one of New York State’s top trial lawyers and a zealous advocate of those injured through the negligence of others. Having founded the firm in 1994 with the singular goal of leveling the playing field for those injured, Mr. Dell has worked tirelessly for his clients since its inception. In addition to meeting with clients on a daily basis and trying cases, Mr. Dell is a frequent lecturer at Law School and Bar Associations on cases of significant importance in the fields of negligence and medical malpractice. If you have any questions regarding this article, you can contact Mr. Dell here.