The streets of Los Angeles are often filled with busy roads, sidewalks, and businesses. Families and children often enjoy walking around the many beaches and parks that the city has to offer. However, pedestrian accidents can occur from distractions such as large crowds and unsafe driving practices. Understanding how to move safely through these areas is crucial to maintaining your safety and the safety of those around you.
Choosing the Right Time to Explore
Choosing the right time of day to explore the city of Los Angeles can help limit the risk of large crowds and busy sidewalks. In addition, the specific time of day can also impact your overall safety as a pedestrian. These large crowds create confined spaces for pedestrians, causing congestion and the likelihood of distractions for both drivers and individuals on the road.
Visiting Los Angeles hot spots earlier in the morning can reduce large crowds and make it easier for pedestrians to navigate the city. Late-night outings during the week can also limit crowds on usually busy sidewalks, as many individuals are headed home from a long day at work.
Furthermore, staying alert and aware of your surroundings, regardless of the time or day of the week, can help decrease the chance of serious accidents and severe or long-term injuries.
Using Crosswalks and Signals Properly
One of the most important safety practices is using designated crosswalks and obeying pedestrian signals. Pedestrians are advised to wait for the walk signal before entering an intersection, and continue to monitor traffic even when they have the right of way. This is crucial as drivers may be turning, speeding, or distracted and unaware of a pedestrian crossing the street. Making eye contact with drivers when possible can help confirm that they see you, but it is important to understand this may not always be the case.
Staying Visible and Predictable
Pedestrians need to remain visible to drivers, especially when it is late at night. It is advised to stay away from dark colored clothing once the sun goes down to reduce the risk of a driver not seeing you. Pedestrians should also try to avoid sudden movements or unpredictable changes in direction. This is especially important when crossing the street or walking near driveways and parking lot entrances, as vehicles may be approaching at faster speeds.
Managing Distractions
Pedestrians should keep any distractions to a minimum in order to avoid the risk of unnecessary harm and severe injuries from occurring. Distractions on the street may include, but are not limited to, the following.
- Store displays
- Street performers
- Music
- Large crowds
Pedestrians should also refrain from texting, calling, or constantly checking their phones as this can sway their attention away from vehicles and other pedestrians, ultimately causing serious harm.
Being Mindful of Rideshare and Delivery Traffic
In popular Los Angeles shopping areas, rideshare vehicles and delivery drivers frequently stop along curbs, sometimes with little warning. Passengers may exit vehicles into pedestrian pathways, and drivers may make sudden stops or turns. When walking near the curb, remain alert for vehicles pulling in or out to avoid unnecessary traffic collisions.
Understanding Your Rights and Responsibilities
Pedestrians in California are granted certain protections under the law, including the right of way in marked crosswalks. However, these rights come with responsibilities. Pedestrians are expected to follow:
- Traffic signals
- Avoid sudden or unsafe crossings
- Remain attentive and alert to their surroundings
These responsibilities are set in place to protect pedestrians and drivers from the unnecessary dangers that may occur while on the road. It is important to follow these rules to ensure you are keeping yourself and others safe.
Preparing for the Unexpected
Even with careful planning, unexpected situations can still happen while on the road. Carrying essentials such as the following may help reduce the risk of further harm if an accident were to occur.
- A charged phone
- Identification
- Emergency contact information
In addition, it is also important to wear comfortable footwear, as uneven sidewalks or long distances can increase the risk of trips and falls.
How Legal Guidance May Help After an Incident
Seeking legal guidance and support after a pedestrian accident has occurred is crucial to ensuring you are kept safe moving forward. Pedestrian accidents can cause severe or long-term injuries that may result in serious health concerns. A legal professional can assist in evaluating your case, speaking to insurance companies, and helping you understand your responsibilities throughout your personal injury claim.
How KAASS LAW Can Help
Our attorneys at KAASS LAW understand the challenges that victims may face when dealing with injuries from pedestrian accidents. We want to help our clients understand their rights and the legal steps to take throughout their claim. If you have suffered injuries from a pedestrian accident, you are not alone. Call KAASS LAW today to discuss your options.