This pedestrian accident article was authored by Rhode Island pedestrian accident attorney, David Slepkow. This RI legal article by a RI pedestrian accident lawyer discusses pedestrian safety in winter weather in Providence.

Tips for Walking Safely in Winter Weather in Rhode Island and Providence Plantations

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Winter is a beautiful time of year, and if you’re properly bundled up, it can also be a wonderful time to enjoy walking or running along your streets and roads. Unfortunately, with winter’s beauty, also comes the potential to hurt yourself on icy sidewalks, slippery roads, or slushy steps. Take precautions against such accidents. Each year, thousands of people are hurt or injured in winter pedestrian accidents. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in 2013 alone, 4,735 people were killed in pedestrian traffic crashes and over 66,000 were injured. It is important that pedestrians act safely when walking or running along roadways.

Rhode Island pedestrian accident attorney

A Rhode Island pedestrian accident attorney can help a victim or the injured victim’s family get the justice and compensation they deserve. “In 2015, 5,376 pedestrians were killed in traffic crashes in the United States.¹This averages to one crash-related pedestrian death every 1.6 hours.¹ Additionally, almost 129,000 pedestrians were treated in emergency departments for non-fatal crash-related injuries in 2015.² Pedestrians are 1.5 times more likely than passenger vehicle occupants to be killed in a car crash on each trip.^{3″ CDC}  

Pedestrian’s should stay on the sidewalk if possible!

When you can, always take the sidewalk. It is also important that you are visible to traffic. Even in daylight, it can be difficult to see a pedestrian until you are close to a vehicle. Where bright colored or reflective clothing when you can. A neon safety vest can be purchased inexpensively and worn over a heavy coat.

Make sure that you can see. Too often, a pedestrian is bundled up and vision is lost in favor of warmth. Make sure your scarves or hats are not impeding your ability to see what’s around you, or below you. Patches of black ice or other slippery sections can often appear on what seems to be a relatively safe surface. Remember too, that when crossing a roadway, it is important to stay in a crosswalk. Scary things can happen if a vehicle can’t stop on an icy road and a pedestrian is trying to cross. Be aware of road conditions as well and if it looks like vehicles might have trouble stopping, wait until they are stopped before you cross the street.

Beware of icy sidewalks and street

Watch out for ice that hides under snow or slush. A skim of ice can remain after a sidewalk is shoveled. This can lead to a pulled muscle or broken bone – or worse. Look above you, too, as you walk. Icicles and snow or ice coming off a roof can cause head injuries and worse. If you find yourself injured during a winter walk, it may be to your benefit to consult a RI personal injury attorney or a Providence slip and fall lawyer before you speak with your insurance company. A RI injury attorney can sometimes help you recoup money for medical bills and other costs associated with your injury. A Rhode Island personal injury lawyer with an expertise in pedestrian accidents and slip and fall will help the injured victim get the best compensation possible.

Pedestrian accidents can occur in various ways, often involving collisions between pedestrians and vehicles or other obstacles. Some common types of pedestrian accidents include:

1. Vehicle-Pedestrian Collisions:
   • Crosswalk Accidents: Pedestrians are often hit while crossing streets, especially at crosswalks.
   • Intersection Accidents: Collisions can occur when pedestrians are crossing at intersections, and drivers fail to yield or ignore traffic signals.
2. Backover Accidents:
   • Pedestrians, especially children, can be struck by vehicles moving in reverse.
3. Distracted Driving Accidents:
   • When drivers are distracted by activities like texting, talking on the phone, or adjusting the radio, they may not see pedestrians in their path.
4. Drunk Driving Accidents:
   • Impaired drivers pose a significant risk to pedestrians as their ability to react and make sound judgments is compromised.
5. Speeding Accidents:
   • Drivers exceeding speed limits may have reduced reaction time, increasing the likelihood of striking pedestrians.
6. Failure to Obey Traffic Signals:
   • Pedestrians may be hit when drivers run red lights, fail to yield at stop signs, or ignore other traffic signals.
7. Jaywalking Accidents:
   • Pedestrians who cross streets outside designated crosswalks or against traffic signals may be at a higher risk of accidents.
8. Poorly Designed Crosswalks or Intersections:
   • Inadequate signage, poor visibility, or confusing traffic patterns can contribute to accidents.
9. Weather-Related Accidents:
   • Adverse weather conditions, such as rain, snow, or fog, can reduce visibility and increase the likelihood of accidents.
10. Construction Zone Accidents:
    • Pedestrians may be at risk in areas with ongoing construction if proper safety measures are not in place.
11. Vehicle Malfunctions:
    • Mechanical failures or brake malfunctions in vehicles can lead to accidents involving pedestrians.
12. Reckless Driving:
    • Aggressive or reckless driving behaviors, such as tailgating or weaving through traffic, can result in pedestrian accidents.

Preventing pedestrian accidents requires a combination of responsible driving, adherence to traffic laws, pedestrian awareness, and infrastructure improvements. Public education on road safety is also crucial in reducing the number of pedestrian accidents.