New York City pedestrian accidents took the lives of more than 3,200 people from 2000 to 2009. These types of accidents are expected to increase as we are now in Daylight Saving Time, which brings earlier sunsets and increased risks of pedestrian-car accidents.
Even drivers with 20/20 vision experience a reduction in visibility after the sun sets. Unfortunately, drivers don’t always adjust their habits behind the wheel to accommodate these changes. It takes time for motorists to adjust to the low-light environment. During nighttime driving, motorists are urged to take notice of their surroundings instead of focusing on the lane in front of them.
Our New York City car accident attorneys understand that about 50 percent of fatal accidents occur during the evening hours. This is relatively high considering that about a quarter of travel takes place during this time. To help reduce the risks of these accidents, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is providing motorists and pedestrians with a few simple safety tips that can help save lives. With a conscious effort from all travelers to navigate our roadways safety and more alertly, we can all do our part to reduce these accidents.
The U.S. lost nearly 4,100 pedestrians in traffic-related accidents in 2009. Another 59,000 were injured throughout the year. About 25 percent of these accidents happened between the hours of 4 and 8 p.m. and another 15 percent occurred between 4 and 8 a.m.
While driving at night or early morning twilight, our eyes have a more difficult time focusing on objects when compared to daytime driving. That’s why drivers are urged to keep an extra-watchful eye on their entire surroundings when driving at night, not just on what’s directly in front of them. Drivers are also urged to eliminate driving while doing distracting tasks, such as using a mobile phone. Drivers need to place their full attention on the roadway.
Nighttime safe driving tips for motorists:
-Driver slower. You need more time to react to dangers at night with the decreased visibility. Driving slower will allow you with that time.
-Remember that pedestrians oftentimes wear headphones, meaning they are unable to hear your vehicle approaching.
-Keep your windshield, mirrors and windows clean to maximize visibility.
-Make sure your defrosters work and that you have enough windshield wiper fluid.
-Allow pedestrians the right-of-way.
Nighttime safe walking tips for pedestrians:
-Walk with a flashlight. If you choose not to walk with a flashlight you should wear fluorescent tape on your clothing to make yourself more visible to motorists.
-Walk cautiously. Don’t depend on traffic signs and signals to direct drivers. Distracted drivers can easily miss these devices.
-Never jaywalk. Always cross at a crosswalk or at a street corner.
-Walk along a sidewalk when one is available. If there’s no sidewalk and you must walk along the roadway, do so facing traffic.
The New York City pedestrian accident attorneys at the Law Offices of Nicholas Rose, PLLC, understand that being involved in a traffic-related accident is stressful and can come with a legacy of pain and suffering. We offer free and confidential consultations to those involved in traffic-related pedestrian accidents. To schedule an appointment, call us at 1-877-313-ROSE (7673).
More Blog Entries:
Drivers Admit to Fatigue, Put Other Motorists at Risks of Drowsy Driving Accidents in New York
September 19, 2011
Newly Released Data Ranks New York for Fatal Pedestrian Accidents
June 4, 2011
