Posted in Pedestrian Accident,Tennessee Accident Law on August 16, 2016
Pedestrian Struck by Vehicle and Seriously Injured in Cookeville
A 63-year-old man was seriously injured when he was struck by a silver Chevrolet Malibu while he was walking at the intersection of Jefferson Avenue and Interstate Drive in Putnam County Friday afternoon.
The Herald-Citizen reports that the crash occurred at around noon when the man was traveling south on Jefferson Avenue on foot and attempting to cross Interstate Drive. While he walked through the intersection, he was struck by the Malibu that was driven by a 45-year-old man from Cookeville.
A witness told officers with the Cookeville Police Department that the driver was headed north on Jefferson Avenue and turning left onto Interstate Drive when the accident occurred.
An initial investigation revealed that there were no immediate signs that alcohol or drugs were involved in the accident.
The pedestrian was airlifted to Erlanger Medical Center in Chattanooga to receive treatment for injuries to his head and hip that he suffered during the accident.
Anyone with information about the accident is urged to contact the Cookeville Police Department or the Tennessee Highway Patrol.
Tips for Approaching Intersections with Pedestrians
Intersections are the most dangerous areas of the roadway for everyone, including drivers, passengers, and even pedestrians. Because pedestrians use crosswalks at intersections to cross roadways, they can be at high risk of being struck by vehicles, especially if they cross during times of low visibility. Although pedestrians can improve their safety by only crossing when it’s safe to do so, drivers must also exercise caution when approaching intersections.
To do your part in reducing the risks that pedestrians face at intersections, always follow these tips:
Getting stopped at a red light can cause a delay in your daily commute, but trying to beat it is never worth the risk. In addition to putting you at risk of getting a traffic ticket, it can also increase your risk of being struck by another vehicle or striking a pedestrian. As soon as you see that the traffic lights have turned yellow, reduce your speed and prepare to come to a complete stop.
Pedestrians need plenty of room to stay safe at intersections, especially when intersections are crowded with large numbers of people. If you’re driving in a metropolitan area and many pedestrians are nearby, stop your vehicle at the intersection well behind the crosswalk to give them as much room as possible. Stopping inside the boundaries of a crosswalk can force pedestrians to walk in the street where they’re at risk of being struck by vehicles.
Drivers making left turns are extremely dangerous for both motorcyclists and pedestrians. Because drivers are often focused on the road and the presence of other vehicles, they can overlook the presence of pedestrians. When turning left and driving through a crosswalk, stay alert and be prepared to stop immediately if someone is in your vehicle’s path.
Although the majority of pedestrian accidents happen at night, pedestrians can still be at risk during the day or times of low visibility, such as fog, rain, and snow. Keeping your headlights on at all times means that you’ll be more likely to see pedestrians, especially if the light from your headlights reflects off their clothing.
Pedestrians don’t always wait for walk signals to use crosswalks. Because the movements and behavior of pedestrians can be unpredictable, especially in busy urban areas, you should be prepared to encounter pedestrians at all crosswalks, even if the light at the intersection you’re approaching is green.
While pedestrians should strive to stay safe and avoid accidents by crossing streets only at crosswalks, wearing bright and reflective clothing, and avoiding distractions, it’s equally important for drivers to be aware of their presence and prepared to react accordingly when they see them walking on or near roadways. Reducing your speed and driving with a cautious mindset can go a long way towards reducing your risk of being involved in an accident with a pedestrian.
If you or someone you love was injured in a pedestrian accident, the Cookeville pedestrian accident attorneys at Matt Hardin Law want to speak with you. We have more than two decades of combined experience assisting injured victims like you, and we know what it takes to build strong claims. Dial (931) 754-1188 or complete a free online consultation form to speak with us today.
