Taking Precautions While Jogging or Riding Your Bicycle

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There’s been an increase in the number of people who have been hit by cars in recent weeks. This can often be attributed to warmer weather, because more people tend to be out enjoying the sun in the spring. A person walking who gets hit by a car can suffer serious injuries or even die. This information is provided to help you grasp the realities of these kinds of accidents and what steps to take if you are hit by a vehicle while walking or biking.

How Common Are Pedestrian-Involved Accidents?

According to the Texas Department of Transportation, pedestrian deaths are on the rise in Texas, now making up one in five of all traffic fatalities. In 2021, our state saw 5,370 crashes involving pedestrians, leading to 843 deaths, which is a 15 percent increase in pedestrian fatalities compared to the previous year. Additionally, 1,467 people suffered serious injuries.

Pedestrians are some of the most at-risk road users since they lack protective gear like airbags, seat belts, and bumpers. It is our collective duty to adhere to traffic laws and aim to reduce pedestrian fatalities to zero. TxDOT provides the following safety tips to help avoid fatal encounters.

Data from the Federal Highway Administration indicates that every year, pedestrian and bicyclist fatalities account for about 19 percent of all traffic deaths, with around 6,000 pedestrian deaths and 850 bicyclist deaths. Furthermore, approximately 76,000 pedestrians and 47,000 bicyclists are injured in roadway accidents each year.

The Most Common Causes

There are several reasons that can cause accidents between vehicles and pedestrians. Occasionally, the pedestrian may be at fault if they ignore traffic signs or try to cross the road without giving way to drivers who have the right-of-way. Nevertheless, a significantly larger number of accidents occur due to the following:

  • Drivers failing to yield to pedestrians
    • On most public roads, pedestrians have the right-of-way. This is especially true in school zones and other areas where foot traffic is heavy.
  • Driving while impaired
    • Driving while intoxicated, using drugs, or even while drowsy is a sure way to cause an accident.
  • Not paying attention to the road
    • Whether it’s the radio, makeup, or a cell phone, paying attention to common distractions or taking your eyes off the road for a second can have dire consequences.
  • Speeding
    • The simple answer to this is to abide by posted speed limits, especially if you’re traveling in a populated area or on a road you haven’t travelled before.
  • Inclement Weather Conditions
    • Wet or icy roads drastically increase the chance of an accident. Take it slow and adjust your driving to accommodate the weather and subsequent road conditions.

Know the Law

Section 552 of the Texas Transportation Code spells out the “Rules of the Road” as they relate to pedestrians. This chapter provides information concerning the following and more:

  • PEDESTRIAN RIGHT-OF-WAY IF CONTROL SIGNAL PRESENT
  • PEDESTRIAN RIGHT-OF-WAY AT CROSSWALKS
  • PEDESTRIAN USE OF SIDEWALKS
  • SOLICITATION BY PEDESTRIANS
  • ORDINANCES RELATING TO PEDESTRIANS

If you’ve been hit by a vehicle while walking or riding your bicycle, contact us today for a free consultation.

Named one of the “Best Car Accident Lawyers in Dallas” by Expertise.com, Brian Brunson is Texas personal injury lawyer who is dedicated to helping clients who have suffered a car, truck, or motorcycle injury through the negligent or wrongful conduct of other drivers. In addition, his professionalism is unmatched and the firms’ client reviews speak for themselves.

We proudly serve the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex and surrounding areas, our office supports the legal needs of a wide variety of clients. Let the Law Office of Brian Brunson be your advocate in your time of need and help you put your life back together. If we can’t win or settle your case, you don’t pay a dime! We know it can be daunting to take that first step after you’ve been hurt. Contact Brian Brunson today via email or call us toll-free at 1-844-41-WRECK. We can help, when no one else will.

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