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

Providence pedestrian accident lawyers

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.

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.