Many people who regularly walk, jog or run choose dedicated routes for their own safety. They stay on sidewalks or paths that are too small for motor vehicles. Using pedestrian-specific pathways is generally the safest option.
After all, pedestrians have nothing to protect them if a crash occurs. Sometimes, pedestrians don’t have the luxury of using special paths for their own safety. They need to walk somewhere far away from parks with pedestrian paths.
Pedestrians may benefit from understanding where their risk of a collision is highest in order to optimize their safety on public roads. Where do many serious pedestrian crashes occur?
1. On the open road
Many intersections have pedestrian lights and crosswalks. Drivers know to watch for pedestrians as they approach intersections. Many people traveling on foot do not want to walk all the way to an intersection.
They may cross in the middle of the block instead. Doing so can be a risky choice, as 76% of all pedestrian crashes occur on the open road rather than at an intersection. Choosing to cross the road at locations where drivers know to watch for pedestrians is often the safest option.
2. In parking lots
Although drivers understand that there may be numerous pedestrians in parking lots, they do not always watch for them the way that they should. Many drivers become complacent in parking lots.
They handle their phones, focus on their passengers and otherwise fail to properly monitor their surroundings. Pedestrians who have to cross parking lots are at higher risk than they may realize.
3. On rural roads
Technically, a much higher percentage of fatal pedestrian crashes occur in urban areas (83%) as opposed to rural areas. However, crashes in rural settings tend to be particularly devastating for several reasons.
Higher speed limits make it far more likely for the pedestrian to sustain severe or fatal injuries. If the driver flees the scene instead of stopping, the pedestrian could go without care for a dangerous amount of time. Those walking or jogging in rural areas may need to protect themselves by carrying mobile devices and ensuring that others are aware of when they leave and when they intend to return.
The injuries sustained in pedestrian collisions are often more expensive than people initially expect. Reviewing the circumstances of a pedestrian crash may help the injured person identify the best options for financial compensation.