How To Protect Older Pedestrians From An Accident

Pedestrians are inherently more vulnerable to serious injuries in the event they are involved in a traffic collision. This is particularly true for elderly pedestrians who may be in and around the roadway. At Brown, Moore & Associates, PLLC, our Charlotte pedestrian accident attorneys want to discuss different ways to keep elderly pedestrians safe.

Elderly pedestrian and accidents

According to the North Carolina Department of Transportation, there were 2,509 reported pedestrian accidents during the latest year of data we have available. When we look at the statistics, we can see that a significant percentage of these incidents led to a pedestrian injury or fatality. At Brown, Moore & Associates, PLLC, we know that elderly pedestrians are even more vulnerable to serious injuries or death in the event they are struck by a vehicle. That is why we offer these tips for elderly (or “seasoned”) pedestrian safety.

• If you notice any loss of balance or coordination or think that your medication could be affecting your mobility, speak to your doctor about possible change.
• Get regular physicals so that you understand your current mobility and cognitive abilities.
• Make sure you give yourself plenty of time to cross the road and only do so at marked pedestrian crossings, if at all possible.
• Avoid busy roadways altogether. Always be on the lookout for alternative routes with adequate sidewalks or footpaths.
• Before crossing a road, make eye contact with other drivers to ensure that they see you are there and acknowledge you.
• If possible, try to cross the street with other pedestrians. The old adage “there’s safety in numbers” certainly applies here.
• Avoid walking when it is dark outside or in poor weather. If you do have to walk in the evening, wear brightly colored or reflective clothing.
• Avoid walking while distracted by your cell phone or other devices. Technology has no age limit, and even seasoned pedestrians can find themselves glued to their phones. This is a safety risk and should be avoided.
• Ask for help crossing the street if you need it. There is no shame in staying safe in and around the roadways.

If you are driving your vehicle and notice that an elderly pedestrian is attempting to cross the road, stop your so they can cross. Acknowledge to the pedestrian that you have stopped for them by making eye contact and waving to them. Just the act of you stopping your vehicle will likely make other drivers more attentive to the crossing pedestrian.

Let our Charlotte pedestrian accident attorneys help

If you or somebody you care about has been injured in a pedestrian collision caused by the negligence of another driver, contact an attorney immediately. At Brown, Moore & Associates, PLLC, our compassionate and experienced team will investigate your claim so we can secure full compensation on your behalf. This includes:

• Coverage of your medical bills related to the crash
• Any lost wages if you cannot work
• Mental anguish damages
• Loss of enjoyment of life damages
• Possible punitive damages in cases of gross driver negligence

When you need a Charlotte pedestrian accident attorney, you can contact us for a free consultation of your case by clicking here or calling us at 800-948-0577.