5 Safety Tips for New Orleans Pedestrians

With New Orleans weather at its finest, now is the perfect time of year to celebrate all of the local walking opportunities. 

According to the American Heart Association, just thirty minutes of walking per day can improve your cardiovascular fitness, strengthen your bones, and increase your muscular endurance. 

Whether you walk for leisure or as your primary way of getting to work or school, it’s worth taking some time to brush up on your pedestrian safety. More than 1,142 pedestrian injuries and 139 fatalities were reported in Louisiana in 2020 by the Center for Analytics & Research in Transportation Safety (CART). You can reduce your risk of being involved in a New Orleans pedestrian accident by following these pedestrian safety tips.

1. Follow the Rules of the Road

It’s easy to forget that you have to obey the same traffic laws as motorists and bicyclists when you’re a pedestrian, but it’s extremely important that you do. Keep your movements predictable—this means heeding all traffic signs and signals, walking on sidewalks or designated pedestrian lanes whenever possible, and refraining from jaywalking. 

If there is no sidewalk, walk facing traffic as far away from other vehicles as possible. If there is no crosswalk and you need to cross the street, choose the most well-lit area where you have a clear view of oncoming traffic. Look before you cross, and continue looking for traffic as you’re crossing. 

2. Don’t Get Distracted

Distracted walking can be just as dangerous as distracted driving. Looking down at your phone puts you at risk of bumping into another pedestrian or cyclist or being struck by a car. It can also lead to a nasty slip and fall accident. Similarly, avoid wearing headphones or listening to loud music while walking, as you may not be able to hear oncoming traffic. Sightseeing may also be a significant distraction, so keep your eyes on the road, especially when crossing the street.

3. Take Extra Precautions At Night

Walking in the dark can drastically raise the chances of being hit by a car, motorcycle, or bicycle. Those who walk at night, whether by choice or necessity, should heed additional pedestrian safety tips.

For example, low visibility is a major contributor to pedestrian crashes occurring between 6:00 p.m. and 11:00 p.m. Those who walk at night should invest in bright, reflective clothing. A fluorescent safety vest is a great option, since you can wear it on top of your regular clothes. If you’re in a pinch, bringing a flashlight or using your phone’s built-in flashlight to light your path is better than nothing.

4. Never Assume A Driver Can See You

One of the most crucial pedestrian safety tips is to never assume that you’re always visible to motorists. Motorists turning right may not see you in their peripheral vision.That is why you should always look both ways before crossing the street, even when the walk sign is illuminated. Additionally, try to make eye contact with drivers to confirm that they’ve seen you and have come to a full stop. 

5. Avoid Walking Under the Influence

We all know that drinking and driving is both dangerous and illegal, but many people are unaware that even walking can become risky if you’re under the influence of drugs or alcohol. CART reported that, in 2020, almost 26% of people killed in pedestrian accidents in Louisiana tested positive for alcohol. 

Drinking can lower inhibition, promote risk-taking behaviors, and compromise your vision and physical coordination. All of these effects can increase the chance of being injured or killed in an alcohol-involved accident. 

Injured in a New Orleans Pedestrian Accident? 

If you or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian accident in New Orleans, compensation may be available to you. Contact Mike Brandner Law  to schedule your free consultation. If another motorist’s negligence played a role in your injury, you may have legal grounds for a personal injury case.

To find out more, call one of our offices in Louisiana at the numbers below. You can also chat online with a live representative now, or send us the details of your case using our secure contact form.