In 2008, Boston, Massachusetts was the twenty-first largest city in the United States. We have seen our share of this in our personal injury practice. Because Boston is such a large city, a number of pedestrian accidents happen each year. In fact, more than 5,000 pedestrians die each year in the United States because they are hit by motor vehicles or bicycles.
To be safe when sharing sidewalks and streets, it's important to be aware of your surroundings. By taking simple precautions, you can prevent injuries and possible death. Three of the most common accidents involving vehicles and pedestrians are caused when pedestrians make the following mistakes:
• Crossing a road not at the intersection (jaywalking);
• Walking in the road, not on the side of road; and
• Walking in the road in the same direction as moving vehicles.
To help prevent these accidents, please follow these simple Pedestrian Safety Tips:
• BE SEEN: Avoid common traffic dangers.
• Wait for drivers to stop and make eye contact before crossing a street. Don't assume they see you.
• Cross at a corner or marked walkway, following traffic signals.
• Sidewalks obviously are safer than roads, but watch for driveway traffic.
• If there's no sidewalk, walk on the left side of the road, facing traffic.
• Bicyclists should ride with the flow of traffic, preferably in marked lanes.
• Look left-right-left before crossing any street, and keep looking until across.
• Don't start crossing if a red signal is blinking.
• When crossing on a green light, watch in all directions for turning cars.
• Put a safety flag on a wheelchair, motorized cart or stroller for visibility.
It is important that we all follow these rules, and that children are aware of the above. The Law Office of Neil Burns is dedicated to keeping our client's and their families safe, and remains dedicated in the event of accidents and injuries.
