Washington Injury Law Blog

Yesterday, a story appeared on King 5 TV news about a man who serious injured when he was hit by a car in a crosswalk in the morning when it was still dark outside. With the short daylight hours here in Seattle during the winter it’s a good idea to keep these 10 safety tips in mind when walking near roadways in the dark.

1. Use sidewalks and off-road paths : Separate yourself as much as possible from traffic by seeking out lighted paths and sidewalks. If sidewalks are not available, walk on the edge of the road or on the left shoulder of the road. Use pedestrian bridges when they are available.

2.  Wear reflective or light colored clothing. Dress in light colored clothes or wear something reflective (like a cyclist sash).  This allows you to be seen by vehicles more easily. Just because you can see the lights of a vehicle doesn’t mean that the driver can see you. Visibility for the driver is limited at night, and it is made worse when you wear dark clothes. Carrying a flash light is also a great idea.

3. Walk facing traffic: When you cannot avoid walking on the side of the road, always walk on the side of oncoming traffic so you can see and react to any vehicle . Do not walk with your back to overtaking traffic.

4. Cross at marked crosswalks or intersections. Pedestrians are most often hit by cars when they cross the road at places other than intersections. Be extra cautious when crossing at night even at pedestrian crossings. Traffic does not expect pedestrians to be out walking at night. Even when crossing with a crossing light, assume that the cars who may be turning across your path do not see you.

5. Safety in numbers: Use the same routes used by other walkers and runners. Drivers are more used to seeing them there.

6. Don’t get tripped: Tripping hazards are worse after dark. Uneven sidewalks, roots and rocks on trails, potholes and trash on the side of streets and roads – all can lead to a slip or fall. Walk with your eyes noting the ground 15 feet ahead to see upcoming hazards.

7. Blinded by the light: As we age we lose our ability to see well in the dark and recovering after having headlights shine in your eyes. Choose a path where you won’t have frequent changes in the lighting level. Do not look straight into oncoming headlights.

8.  Use Umbrella carefully. Do not allow your umbrella to obscure your vision when walking along a road or crossing. If you cannot see what is happening, you cannot avoid danger.

9. Drinking and walking? Alcohol can impair the judgment and motor skills of pedestrians just as it does for drivers. Don’t take alcohol risks with walking, just as you would not with driving. Take the bus, take a cab, or have a friend drive you home. Beware of the effects of prescription and non-prescription medications and drugs, too.

10. Obey traffic signals. At intersections where traffic is controlled by signals or a traffic officer, pedestrians must obey the signal and not cross against the stop signal unless specifically directed to go by a traffic officer.

Max Meyers, Esq.

If you have been hit be a car or other vehicle as a pedestrian and suffered injuries you should speak with an experienced Washington pedestrian accident attorney like myself.  If you have questions or would like to know your rights please call me. In any cay, please don’t give a recorded statement to the insurance company or sign anything until you have ordered my FREE book – The Guide To Washington Injury Cases and get the basic info you need before speaking with any insurance adjuster.

Resources:

Safety Tips For Pedestrians

Night Walking Safety Rules

Pedestrian & Bicycle Safey - Federal Highway Administration