Now that the weather has cooled to a more comfortable temperature here in the west coast, people are hitting the pavement and enjoying the beautiful weather while exploring Downtown Tampa. Walking in the city isn’t solely for pleasure for many Tampa residents though. Often, when the weather is nice, downtown employees who live near their offices will forgo the headache of traffic and parking that comes with a car commute and lace up their sneakers instead. Walking to work is definitely a perk of living and working in the downtown area, but it can also be risky. Whether you’re headed to the office, or to browse the local shops and restaurants, keep these tips in mind to protect yourself from the dangers of traffic:
- Be mindful of the time. Early morning and dusk are prime times for accidents involving pedestrians thanks to dim lighting and the higher risk of tired drivers. Watch out for morning and evening commuters as you walk, and be extra cautions at crossings and intersections.
- Shine bright. Being seen is your primary job as a pedestrian, and there are a variety of ways you can make sure motorists see you, and therefore, avoid hitting you. First, wear bright colored and/or reflective clothing. Even if you’re headed into the office, you can throw on a reflective jacket, or even a reflective vest, over your work clothes to make sure you don’t blend into the surroundings in the early morning light. Secondly, consider carrying a flashlight, or a blinker of some kind, to alert drivers to your presence.
- Obey the rules of the road, even when on foot. Watching for traffic signals, and following their direction, is key to staying safe as a pedestrian. Don’t head across the street at areas not designated for crossing, stop/walk when the lights say so, and whenever possible stay on sidewalks and pedestrian walkways instead of walking on or along the main roadway.
- Pay attention! It can be easy to get distracted by glancing at your phone, having your music at a high volume, or flipping through your morning paper while you walk, but doing so could result in disaster. Staying alert to your surroundings, especially to cars on the road, is vital to your safety.
We hope these tips help you feel better prepared as you head out on foot, whether for a morning commute to the office, or a fun day out exploring the city. If you or someone you love has suffered an injury due to an accident as a pedestrian, we’d love to help you get the compensation you deserve. We serve the greater Tampa Bay area with top-quality law services, and our clients know when the unexpected happens, WE STAND FOR YOU!