The weather in New Mexico makes walking a viable form of transportation year-round when temperatures are not extreme. People in urban areas can walk to work and anywhere else they need to go. Walking as a form of transportation is good for the human body and also very cost-effective. However, it does come with its own risks. Perhaps the biggest concern about walking places is the possibility of a pedestrian collision, which has been on the rise in recent years.
People in motor vehicles sometimes cause crashes that injure or even kill pedestrians. The three tips below can potentially help those who regularly walk in New Mexico reduce their risk of a major pedestrian crash.
Avoid drunk and distracted walking
It probably seems much safer to walk someplace while drunk than it would be to drive home after drinking too much. Unfortunately, pedestrian crash statistics show that alcohol plays a role in many fatal pedestrian wrecks every year. If someone is too drunk to drive home, it is likely also dangerous for them to walk home in that situation. Additionally, distracted walking is a major safety concern. Pedestrians looking at their phones or totally engrossed in a conversation can end up severely injured as a result.
Limit nighttime walks
Data about fatal pedestrian crashes shows that a large number of them occur after the sun sets. Drivers at night simply don’t watch for pedestrians the way that they might during the day. Additionally, dark conditions increase the likelihood of them being unable to stop when they encounter a pedestrian, as their headlights may be the only source of light nearby. When people must walk at night, using illuminated gear and staying on sidewalks as much as possible can help limit the pedestrian’s risk.
Follow traffic laws
Many pedestrian crashes occur because someone crosses at the wrong place or jogs in the wrong way. There are numerous rules for pedestrian traffic. For example, pedestrians generally need to avoid walking or jogging more than two abreast on public roads. They should also face into traffic, unlike cyclists who should travel with traffic on public roads. Crossing at marked locations can also reduce a pedestrian’s likelihood of a crash caused by a driver.
If a vehicle strikes a New Mexico pedestrian, then the pedestrian may need to file an insurance claim or a lawsuit. Making safety a top priority can – in addition to helping individuals to avoid accidents most of the time – help a pedestrian to avoid responsibility for a crash if they get hurt in traffic.