Maine Injury Lawyer Blog
As with any holiday, accidents are more frequent when Christmas and New Year’s celebrations are taking place. In fact, behind Halloween, New Year’s Eve is often the most dangerous day of the year for drivers and pedestrians alike. Sometimes, however, traveling during the holidays is inevitable, whether it happens by foot or by car. Thus, Maine pedestrians and drivers alike should exercise caution this holiday, so that they can celebrate the end of 2021 and welcome 2022 safely.
According to a recent local news report, a woman was struck by a car while on a walk. Local authorities reported that the woman was walking against traffic with her six-year-old son when she was hit by a Subaru. Although the woman’s son was not hit or injured by the car, the woman was transported to a local hospital, where she later died. The driver of the Subaru was also taken to a separate hospital and treated for minor injuries. An investigation into the details of the accident is ongoing.
In 2019 alone, 6,205 pedestrians died from pedestrian accidents, and a pedestrian was killed every 85 minutes in traffic crashes. To best protect yourself and your loved ones while walking, these tips below will help you stay proactive about safety while celebrating the season.
First, it is always best to never assume that a driver sees you. This way, you and your loved ones will be exercising additional caution every time you cross the street. If possible, making eye contact with the driver can ensure that they see you and will stop so that you can cross the road.
Second, drivers may be distracted by their vehicle settings or their phones and may look down when stopped at a stop sign or crosswalk. Pedestrians, however, are also often distracted by their phones or music while walking. Thus, if possible, avoid being distracted by electronic devices that may take your eyes and ears off the road. In high traffic areas, if you decide to listen to music, it is best to keep the music at a low enough volume that you can still hear street sounds around you to maximize your safety.
Third, it is crucial to be visible at all times to drivers. At night, or when weather conditions are poor, it can often be difficult for drivers to see you. Wearing brighter colors such as yellow, orange, white, or neon can help increase your visibility. Reflective materials or using a flashlight at night can also help increase your visibility as a pedestrian.
Do You Need a Maine Personal Injury Lawyer?
If you or someone you know was recently injured or killed in a Maine pedestrian accident, contact the attorneys at Peter Thompson & Associates today for assistance. Our lawyers have years of experience representing clients in all types of personal injury claims, including car accidents, pedestrian accidents, and more. To schedule a free initial consultation with a member of our team today, contact us at 1-800-804-2004. Calling is free, and we will not bill you for our legal services unless we can successfully recover compensation on your behalf.