Distracted driving encompasses a range of activities that take a driver’s attention away from the primary task of operating a vehicle. Activities like texting and adjusting the radio are distractions that can have severe consequences for pedestrians.
One of the most alarming forms of distracted driving is texting while behind the wheel. The act of composing or reading a text can take a driver’s eyes off the road for an average of five seconds – if the vehicle in question is moving at 55 mph, that’s akin to driving the length of a football field eyes closed. This split-second diversion significantly increases the likelihood of accidents involving pedestrians.
Decreased reaction times
When drivers are preoccupied with distractions, their reaction times are compromised. This reduced responsiveness is particularly dangerous when pedestrians attempt to cross streets or navigate intersections. Pedestrians, even when adhering to traffic signals, become vulnerable to the delayed reactions of distracted drivers.
Intersections become high-risk zones when drivers are not fully focused. Distracted drivers may fail to notice pedestrians in crosswalks or misjudge the time available for a safe crossing. This intersectional vulnerability is a significant factor in auto-pedestrian accidents.
What to do after a pedestrian accident
Suppose a distracted driver has hit you while you were crossing the road; first, you should seek medical attention. If you cannot walk, ask for assistance by calling an ambulance and the police. Getting law enforcement to the crime scene helps ensure you have a police report you can use to pursue legal action.
If, as a pedestrian, you got into an auto-pedestrian accident, you should know that you can pursue compensation for your pain and suffering. Consider enlisting legal counsel to help you understand your legal options and increase your odds of securing fair compensation.