Posted in Pedestrian Accident,Personal Injury on October 9, 2016
City Councilman Wants Gallatin Road to Become More Pedestrian Friendly
A 53-year-old woman was walking home from a store in East Nashville when she was struck by a vehicle and died last week. Her daughter told reporters that her mother had lived in East Nashville her entire life, and that better crosswalks and better lighting for pedestrians could make the area safer.
According to a report by WKRN.com, a city councilman who oversees the area of Gallatin Road where the woman was struck agrees. The councilman told reporters that there needs to be improvement to pedestrian safety in the area because “we live there and our kids live there, and we wouldn’t want something like that to happen to our kids or our mother.”
Two additional councilmen agreed and said that the road needs improvements to make it safer for pedestrians. The councilmen will work to put in a plan for improvements such as new crosswalks, bike lanes, and improved lighting to help make the area safer for people who are traveling on foot or on two wheels.
Crosswalk Myths All Pedestrians Need to Be Aware Of
Living in an area with pedestrian-friendly sidewalks, crosswalks, and lighting is great for reducing the risk of an accident when you travel on foot, but it’s important to not let yourself get a false sense of security. Pedestrians are extremely vulnerable to suffering serious and critical injuries when they’re struck by vehicles, and that’s why it’s vital for pedestrians to do everything they can to avoid accidents.
One of the best ways to avoid pedestrian accidents is to be aware of these common crosswalk myths presented by the Tennessee Highway Safety Office:
Seeing a walk signal when you’re a pedestrian is similar to seeing a green light when you’re driving a vehicle. It means you have the right-of-way, but it doesn’t mean you’re completely free from potential harm or can enter the intersection immediately. After getting a walk signal, always take the time to look both ways and make sure no traffic is flowing through the intersection and no vehicles are preparing to pass through the intersection.
The most important thing you can do as a pedestrian is be seen by drivers—especially when you’re crossing the street. When you see a driver or think you’ve made eye contact with him or her, you may believe that he or she also sees you. But that’s not always true. Just because a driver appears to be looking in your direction doesn’t always mean that he or she is aware of your presence. Always exercise caution when crossing a street if a vehicle is nearby, regardless of where the driver is looking.
Wearing dark colors at night makes you nearly invisible to drivers, so wearing light colors must make you easy to see, right? Wrong. Although wearing light colors is better than wearing dark colors, drivers can still have a hard time spotting pedestrians at night, regardless of the color of their clothing. Your best option when walking at night is to wear clothing that reflects headlights and carry a flashlight to make yourself as noticeable and visible as possible.
Sticking to areas with plenty of pedestrian safety designs, such as well-lit crosswalks, wide sidewalks, and crossing signals is a great way to reduce your risks as a pedestrian, but it’s vital that you and your loved ones never take your safety in these areas for granted. Drivers can be unpredictable, and they don’t always stop at red lights or at stop signs. Always keep an eye on the roadway when crossing and look both ways multiple times before stepping out into the street.
If you or someone you know was injured in a pedestrian accident that was caused by a negligent driver, you may be eligible to receive compensation for your accident-related expenses. To find out how the Nashville pedestrian accident attorneys at Matt Hardin Law can assist you during this time, dial (615) 200-1111 or complete a free online consultation form.
