If you want to learn how to navigate Florida’s streets safely, this is your course! Keep reading to know all the nuances of walking safely while in Florida.
In Florida, pedestrians have the right of way when crossing the street. Motor vehicles must yield to pedestrians at crosswalks and in many other situations. But even if a motorist fails to yield to an injured pedestrian, the victim may still be entitled to compensation for their damages. An experienced pedestrian accident attorney will be able to help you determine the value of your case and pursue the compensation you deserve.
Do you want to learn how to walk in Florida safely? The number of pedestrian deaths in Florida has risen by 35 percent in the last decade, making it a dangerous activity. To make matters worse, a swath of Orlando‘s metro areas were among the worst in the nation for pedestrians.
You should be aware of the state’s policies on pedestrian safety if you are considering relocating to the Sunshine State.
The following are a few tips of them. Keep reading to know all the nuances of walking safely while in Florida.
Tips To Walk Safely In Florida
First of all, you should always walk in a single file when crossing the road. Do not walk abreast, as you may not be paying attention to traffic. You may have to worry about being hit by a car if you walk alongside. Moreover, you must also avoid walking in dark, deserted, or out-of-the-way areas.
Follow these simple tips, and you will indeed walk safely and avoid any accidents.
Designated Crosswalks
The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles recognizes October as National Pedestrian Safety Month. Since every person becomes a pedestrian at some point in their lives, they must learn the rules for pedestrians.
- As Daylight Savings Time winds down, the risks of pedestrian accidents increase. Keep in mind that 30 percent of fatal pedestrian accidents happen between 6 and 9 p.m. Pedestrians should avoid busy streets and walk on sidewalks.
- It is important to wear bright, reflective clothing to be easily visible to passing cars. Moreover, consider using a lightweight vest to make yourself visible.
- Blinking lights and flashlights can also help. Remember always to stay alert. Florida has high accident rates and a dangerous driving environment, so follow these tips to stay safe.
- When crossing streets, walk toward oncoming traffic, not away from it. Drivers must see you and yield to you. A split second of visibility can mean the difference between life and death. So, always use your flashlight when crossing a street.
- You should wear reflective clothing during the night or use a flashlight app on your phone. Remember to stay out of the way of cars, including those speeding.
Walking Against The Flow Of Traffic
The best way to walk safely in Florida is to stay on the sidewalk and against the traffic flow.
- Avoid crossing the road or weaving around. This way, you’ll be less likely to get hit by a careless motorist.
- This way, you’ll be able to interact with drivers more safely. The other key is to be consistent and predictable.
- Keeping your distance from traffic will make it easier to avoid accidents and injuries.
When walking in a city, it is essential to stay on the sidewalk to avoid being struck by a motor vehicle.
- In Palm Beach, Florida, pedestrians may also walk on the sidewalk or edge of the road.
- Always walk to the left of the road, allowing you to see approaching vehicles and protect yourself from an impact.
- Another way to walk safely in a city is to stay on the grass or dirt next to the road.
The law in Florida requires pedestrians to walk against traffic flow, similar to contraflow cycling schemes.
- It’s been shown that pedestrians walking against traffic flow have a slight biological advantage over those walking in the same direction.
- This fact may be based on evidence from other studies. In any case, it’s essential to walk with caution and avoid getting hit by a car.
Avoiding Dark, Deserted, Or Out-Of-The-Way Areas
Walking at night requires extra caution because visibility is critical.
- Always walk with your head up and avoid staring at your phone.
- Look both ways before crossing a street to make sure you’re visible to oncoming traffic.
- Avoid distractions, such as music or television, and pay attention to your surroundings.
Pedestrians need to follow the rules of the road, especially in Florida.
- Although pedestrians don’t have the right of way, they should obey traffic signals.
- Always wait for the pedestrian light to turn green before crossing.
- Be alert and look both ways, and make eye contact with drivers. This will help you stay safe and avoid an accident.
Pedestrians should also watch out for hit-and-run accidents.
- These are dangerous accidents that can leave a pedestrian with serious injuries or even death.
- Florida pedestrians should walk on the left shoulder and avoid dark, deserted areas.
- And always remember to remain calm. If an accident does happen, it will be much easier to recover than you think.
Walking Against The Flow
You don’t want to cause an accident by obstructing traffic or making it more difficult for drivers to see you.
- You’re more visible to them if you walk on one side of the street.
- If you’re crossing a street, walk towards oncoming traffic instead of darting into the road. It only takes seconds for a motorist to hit you – that’s the time to move!
Walking against traffic can also reduce the number of head injuries that pedestrians sustain.
- Research has shown that walking against the traffic flow reduces the number of accidents by 77%.
- A study in Finland found that pedestrians who chose to walk against traffic had a 77% lower crash rate than those who walked in the same direction as traffic. It’s a simple solution that will reduce your risk of an accident.
When crossing a street, you must yield to any vehicles on the road.
- You don’t have the right-of-way. Walk in the shortest straight line possible until you reach the other curb.
- Motorists may be distracted, and they might not notice you. If you cross at a marked crosswalk, look both ways.
Avoiding Distractions
Some countries even have traffic lights installed at crosswalks to alert drivers that pedestrians are on the road. The Florida Department of Transportation warns that distracted walking is one of the leading causes of pedestrian traffic accidents.
- While it is not illegal to use a cell phone while walking, it is still a dangerous practice. Not only does it distract you, but it also distracts drivers.
- Pedestrians should be vigilant when walking and avoid distractions such as texting, checking emails, and playing mobile games while walking.
According to a recent Smart Growth America study, the Daytona Beach metro area is the second most dangerous city for pedestrians in the U.S.
- Pedestrians should remember that Florida has among the worst cities in the United States regarding accidents.
- In addition to being among the top three most dangerous cities globally, distracted walking is a significant factor in many accidents. Distracted walking can result in multiple vehicular collisions and high property damages. It is essential to record the property damages that result from an accident.
A systematic literature search was performed using four databases: MEDLINE (PubMed), PsycINFO, SafetyLit, and Scopus. The search terms included pedestrian, vehicle, and transport. The search filters excluded books and editorials. The results showed that the more significant distractions caused by using a cell phone while walking were more likely to result in a car accident. A meta-analysis of this study showed that the amount of distraction caused by interacting with a phone was associated with a higher crash risk.
Predictability
There is little predictability when it comes to pedestrian safety.
- Be predictable to drivers. By walking on the right side of the road, you will be able to interact with drivers more predictably.
- Make sure you obey traffic signals and signs. Drivers will be more likely to give you space if you’re predictable.
- Be alert, visible, and predictable. It is much easier to avoid accidents if you’re predictable.
- Remember that pedestrians can’t see everything, but you can do your part to be predictable.
It’s safer for pedestrians to walk on the edge of a lane than in the middle of a busy street.
- Walk on the sidewalk whenever possible. Motor vehicle accidents can damage a sidewalk or a telephone pole.
- When crossing the road, walk on the outer edge of the lane. If it’s too dark, walk on the grass or dirt adjacent to the road.
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After a vehicle accident, you may be unsure about what to do next. It’s possible that you don’t know what to do or whom to call an injured party. After an automobile accident, you should consult with a Florida car accident lawyer to ensure that your rights and interests are protected. Ovadia Law Group‘s vehicle accident attorneys are here to answer your inquiries and address your concerns. Fort Myers, Boca Raton, and Miami are the company’s regional centers in South Florida.
Contact the Ovadia Law Group right now. Please don’t hesitate to contact us for any of your legal requirements! Aside from that, we’re a specialist in vehicle accident litigation and legal matters. You can trust our (855) NEED ABE legal team to safeguard your interests and maximize compensation. If you have any legal questions or need a car accident attorney, call Ovadia Law Group at 1-800-674-9396 now!
