As spring turns into summer the temperature gets warmer and it stays lighter outside longer. These are great conditions for walking, running, and biking in the many beautiful areas we have in Vancouver and all across B.C. That makes it a perfect time to familiarize yourself with pedestrian safety to make sure that you and your family are safe.
The pedestrian accident lawyers here at Stephens & Holman want all residents of Vancouver and its surrounding areas to be aware of the dangers negligent drivers pose to pedestrians. In B.C., one in five people killed in car accidents are pedestrians, and each year on average 2,251 pedestrians are injured and 59 are killed. While crosswalks are designed to keep pedestrians safe, 69% of all crashes involving pedestrians happen at intersections in B.C. These numbers are alarming, that’s why it’s so important to practice safe behaviours if you or your family are out walking or biking.
Safety tips for pedestrians include:
- Always make eye contact with drivers to make sure they see you
- Do not look at your phone while crossing the road
- Remove your headphones before crossing a road to hear any oncoming traffic
- Always cross at crosswalks and follow pedestrian signals and signs
- Wear reflective clothing or a flashlight at night or in wet weather
- If walking or running on a road with no sidewalk, face traffic so you can see oncoming drivers
Following these safety tips can help you avoid serious personal injury caused by a negligent driver. In the event that you or someone you love has been injured by a careless driver, you may be entitled to considerable damages from ICBC on behalf of the at-fault driver.
Before you speak with an ICBC adjuster, contact the experienced pedestrian accident lawyers at Stephens & Holman for a free, no-obligation consultation. We have the knowledge and experience to help you navigate these difficult times so that you and your family can once again have peace of mind. Call us today at 604-730-4120. We proudly serve greater Vancouver and nearby areas of British Columbia.