Posted in Bicycle Accident,Pedestrian Accident,Personal Injury,Tennessee Accident Law on January 5, 2016
Number of Pedestrians and Bicyclists Killed in TN Concerning to Officials
A total of 120 pedestrians and bicyclists were killed on streets in Tennessee in 2015—a number that the chairwoman for Metro Nashville’s Bike and Pedestrian Advisory Committee calls outrageous.
According to a report by wkrn.com, the chairwoman told reporters that the problem is exacerbated due to areas where pedestrians and bcicylists are forced to walk or bike long distances to reach crosswalks where they can cross streets safely.
In order to help cut down on the number of injuries and deaths, city officials are considering the implementation of a program called Vision Zero. The program, which is currently in use in other major cities in the U.S., works by combining education, evaluation, engineering, and designing roadways and crosswalks that work for both pedestrians and law enforcement.
Over the past month, around six people have been killed while walking in Nashville. The spokeswoman in charge of the advisory committee said that her goal is to raise awareness about the dangers facing pedestrians and bicyclists in the city and help improve their safety and save lives.
How Can Drivers Help Make Pedestrians and Bicyclists Safer?
Protecting yourself, your family, and other drivers shouldn’t be your only priority when you get behind the wheel of your vehicle. It’s important to remember that there are other people who use roadways in Tennessee, including pedestrians and bicyclists, and they lack the protection that drivers and passengers get from riding in cars, trucks, and SUVs.
To do your part in helping to keep pedestrians and bicyclists safe in the Volunteer State, do your best to follow these safety tips:
Although pedestrians and bicyclists can be anywhere, they are most likely to be encountered on roadways with designated bike lanes or crosswalks. If you are traveling on a roadway with a bike lane, be vigilant and prepared to slow down or move over if you see a bicyclist near your vehicle. You should also be cautious when approaching intersections with crosswalks, as pedestrians may be crossing the street—even if they don’t have the right of way or a walk signal.
Not all bicyclists use hand signals to signify their intentions while riding, but knowing the basic hand signals can help you avoid causing an accident if you are driving near one. An outstretched left arm pointing left means the rider is turning left, while a left arm pointing up or a right arm pointing to the right signals a right turn. A left arm pointing to the ground means the rider is preparing to stop.
It’s a good idea to always be prepared for the presence of pedestrians, but there are certain areas where you should be even more cautious. Neighborhoods and residential areas near schools, parks, churches, and other community buildings are locations where pedestrians are frequently encountered. Parking lots and dense urban areas are also pedestrian hot spots. It’s important to be vigilant when driving in those areas, as pedestrians may be difficult to see due to parked or stopped vehicles.
Pedestrian and bicycle accidents—even those that occur at low speeds—can cause victims to suffer serious and even life-threatening injuries. Keep the tips above in mind every time you get behind the wheel of your vehicle and remember that pedestrians and bicyclists are extremely vulnerable in accidents due to their lack of protection.
If you or loved one was injured in a pedestrian or bicycle accident caused by a negligent or careless driver, you may be eligible to receive compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and other accident-related expenses. At Matt Hardin Law, our Nashville pedestrian accident attorneys have helped victims like you for more than 20 years, and we know what it takes to win. Dial (615) 200-1111 or complete a free online form to find out how we can help your family.
