5 Ways to Reduce Chances of Crosswalk Injury

Walking is proven to be beneficial to your health. A 30-minute walk each day can increase your energy levels, stamina and ability to handle stress, while decreasing your risk of heart attack, stroke, and diabetes. Even the environment benefits when we choose to walk to work, to school, or to do errands rather than taking the car.

Throughout the Portland area, there are interesting sights to see, paths to wander, and people to meet while you walk. At the same time, there are still a lot of cars out there on the road, making it particularly dangerous to cross busy streets. By being aware of the dangers, as well as taking some simple precautions, you can avoid being the victim of a pedestrian or crosswalk injury.

Using Crosswalks

Crosswalks can be found at any public intersection. Sometime marked with white lines, or with a traffic signal indicating when it’s safe to walk, crosswalks provide an element of safety for pedestrians trying to get across crowded intersections. Even without a signal or white lines, a crosswalk exists at any public street intersection or ‘T’ in the road.

The City of Portland Department of Transportation offers a Portland Pedestrian Guide which provides details on crosswalks, their use, and how they work to keep pedestrians safe while walking. While the law laws provide protections for pedestrians to enjoy walking, it’s still up to the walkers themselves to follow the rules of the road, such as knowing how and when to use pedestrian crosswalks.

Five Ways to Reduce Chances of Crosswalk Injuries

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in the United States there is one pedestrian death every two hours, and a pedestrian injury occurs every seven minutes. Pedestrian fatalities and injuries can be avoided by taking a few simple precautions. The following are five ways to reduce chances of pedestrian or crosswalk injuries:

1. Make yourself visible by wearing bright colors. Wear colors that contrast, and avoid wearing black when you’re walking at night.
2. Minimize distractions. Avoid texting while walking and turn down the volume on earphones.
3. Be alert. Don’t walk if you are under the influence of alcohol or any kind of medication that could reduce your reaction times and impair your judgment.
4. Look both ways. Wait until all cars come to a complete stop before stepping out onto the road, and be aware of cars making turns.
5. Use caution while crossing. Once you’ve crossed one lane, be sure the other lane of cars has stopped before venturing forward.

Contact Our Crosswalk Injury Attorney

If you’ve been injured as the result of a pedestrian or crosswalk injury, it’s important to consult with an experienced Portland attorney who can help you recover from the damages you’ve suffered as a result of your injury. At the Johnston Law Firm, we have attorneys who are experienced in handling pedestrian and crosswalk injuries. We can review your case, and help you receive the compensation you deserve.