Last year, the state saw a record number of pedestrians killed in traffic accidents, totaling 111 pedestrians who were hit and killed on Colorado roads in 2022. While death is certainly the worst result of being hit in traffic, there are plenty of other devastating injuries that pedestrians can endure as a result of traffic accidents.
As both a driver and a pedestrian, you must be aware that such collisions happen daily. Pedestrians are highly vulnerable to traffic accidents, so knowing what common injuries can happen and how they can be avoided is extremely important to prevent the worst from occurring.
What are Some Common Pedestrian Injuries?
As a pedestrian injured in a car accident, there are a number of possible injuries that can occur, such as:
- Soft tissue injuries: Pedestrians may experience injuries to their muscles, tendons, or ligaments after being hit by a vehicle
- Broken bones and fractures: If hit by a vehicle, pedestrians can suffer fractures or broken bones, typically in the limbs, hips, or pelvis area
- Head injuries: Head injuries can range from minor concussions to severe traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) after coming into contact with the vehicle or the ground
- Internal injuries: Following a high-impact collision, pedestrians are at risk of experiencing internal injuries that can damage organs like the spleen, liver, or kidneys
- Spinal cord injuries: Injuries that affect the back and spinal cord can have serious long-term effects and disabilities including paralysis
5 Safety Tips for Drivers
When you’re driving, you have a responsibility to yield to pedestrians. You have a crucial role in protecting pedestrians, so the following safety tips are great reminders to keep everyone safe on the road.
- Be Alert
Safe driving practices require you to be alert and avoid distractions while on the road. This means you shouldn’t use your phone while driving, and avoid doing any other distracting activities like changing the radio or eating. In other words, stay focused on the road so you’re better able to respond to unexpected situations.
- Follow the Speed Limit
Following the speed limit isn’t simply the law, it’s also a great way to help protect pedestrian safety on the roads. The faster you’re driving, the less time you have to react to pedestrians who might be entering the roadways, and the more severe their injuries might be from a potential crash. Especially in residential areas or school zones, adhere to all posted speed limits to avoid possible collisions.
- Stop for Pedestrians at Crosswalks
If you are staying alert while driving, you should notice when there’s a pedestrian waiting to use a crosswalk. Make sure you always yield to pedestrians who are crossing at a crosswalk, and always be cautious when turning to ensure there isn’t a pedestrian in your blind spot.
- Obey Traffic Signals
There are a myriad of reasons why you should obey traffic signals when driving, and pedestrian safety is one of the most prominent reasons. Respect all traffic lights and stop signs, as there may be pedestrians crossing the road. Don’t proceed forward until all crosswalks are free of pedestrians, even if you do have a green light.
- Be Cautious in Parking Lots
Parking lots are a common location for pedestrian-vehicle collisions, so be extra cautious when navigating through a parking lot. Go slowly around corners, and when pulling into or out of a parking spot so you can react quickly if you notice a pedestrian crossing your path.
5 Safety Tips for Pedestrians
The following are some traffic safety tips for pedestrians to follow while walking along Colorado roadways.
- Use Crosswalks and Obey Pedestrian Signs
One of the best ways to stay safe while walking is to cross the street at designated crosswalks only. Where applicable, obey all pedestrian signals, waiting until the walk signal is illuminated before crossing the road. Even if it doesn’t appear that there’s any oncoming traffic, it’s best to wait for the signal to avoid possible collisions.
- Look Both Ways to Cross
It goes without saying, but you should always look both ways before crossing the street, even if you are following pedestrian signs. You never know if a distracted driver is obeying all traffic signals, so looking left and right before crossing gives you a clear way to protect yourself on the roads.
- Stay Visible
If you’ll be walking at night, consider wearing bright or reflective clothing so you can make yourself more visible to other pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers. Wearing dark clothing, especially at night, can make it hard for drivers to see you until it’s too late.
- Don’t Be Distracted
Just as it’s important for drivers to avoid distractions when they’re behind the wheel, it’s equally as important to avoid distractions as a pedestrian. Put away any electronic devices or cell phones while you’re walking so you can stay focused on your surroundings and avoid potential hazards.
- Walk Against Traffic
If there is no sidewalk where you’re walking, walk on the side of the street where you can face oncoming traffic. This gives you better visibility, helping you monitor approaching vehicles and have more time to react and move out of the way if required.
Injured in a Motor Vehicle Crash? Contact Sandene Law
If you were a pedestrian who was injured in a motor vehicle crash, working with an experienced personal injury attorney like Sandene Law could help you recover the financial compensation you’re entitled to. As your go-to Denver personal injury attorney, we always strive to advocate for the victims and can represent your best interests against the major insurance giants.
We offer free consultations for car accident victims, reviewing the details of your case and helping you understand how to best proceed with your personal injury claim for maximum compensation. If you’re looking for expert legal advice following a car accident, contact the Sandene Law firm today.
FAQ’s
What are the specific types of injuries that pedestrians are most at risk of sustaining in traffic accidents?
Pedestrians most commonly face injuries such as soft tissue damage, broken bones and fractures, head injuries ranging from concussions to traumatic brain injuries, internal injuries affecting organs, and spinal cord injuries, which can result in severe long-term disabilities like paralysis.
How do the safety tips for drivers aim to prevent pedestrian accidents and what specific actions are recommended?
For drivers, the emphasis is on being vigilant and eliminating distractions to protect pedestrians. This includes obeying speed limits, stopping for pedestrians at crosswalks, adhering to traffic signals, and being extra cautious in parking lots. These actions collectively reduce the risk of accidents and ensure pedestrian safety.
What measures can pedestrians take to enhance their visibility and safety while walking near roadways?
Pedestrians can enhance their safety by using crosswalks, obeying pedestrian signals, looking both ways before crossing, staying visible through bright or reflective clothing, and avoiding distractions. When sidewalks are unavailable, it’s advised to walk facing oncoming traffic to increase visibility and reaction time to potential dangers.
In the event of an accident, what steps should a pedestrian take to ensure they can recover the appropriate compensation?
If a pedestrian is injured in a traffic accident, seeking legal assistance is crucial for navigating the claims process and ensuring fair compensation. An experienced personal injury attorney, like those at Sandene Law, can provide invaluable support, from assessing the case details to representing the victim against insurance companies to secure the rightful compensation.
How does Sandene Law support pedestrian victims of traffic accidents, and what services do they offer to assist with personal injury claims?
Sandene Law offers dedicated advocacy for pedestrians injured in motor vehicle accidents. By providing free consultations, they help victims understand their legal options and proceed with claims, ensuring they receive expert legal advice and representation to achieve the best possible outcome in their case.
