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What Causes More Pedestrian Accidents in Houston
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there were 6,227 pedestrian fatalities across the United States in 2018 alone. That averages out to about 17 deaths every single day. And while Houston is far from being the most populous city in the country, it unfortunately ranks near the top when it comes to pedestrian accidents. In fact, according to a study conducted by Smart Growth America, Houston is the sixth most dangerous city for pedestrians. In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at why pedestrian accidents are such a problem in Houston and how our Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Houston helps the victims in getting the compensation.
One of the biggest contributing factors to pedestrian accidents in Houston is the lack of crosswalks and other safety measures in many parts of the city. According to a report from KHOU 11, there are more than 1,000 miles of streets in Houston that don’t have a single crosswalk. That’s a problem because it forces pedestrians to take their chances crossing busy streets without any guidance or protection. And even when crosswalks are available, they’re often ignored by drivers who view them as an inconvenience.
Another contributing factor to pedestrian accidents is the fact that many drivers in Houston simply aren’t paying attention. With so many people using cell phones these days, it’s not uncommon for drivers to be distracted by text messages or social media notifications while behind the wheel. And when drivers aren’t paying attention, they’re more likely to hit pedestrians who are crossing the street. If you or your loved one has been a victim of car crash, you can meet our experienced team of the best personal injury lawyers in Houston.
The good news is that there are steps that can be taken to reduce the number of pedestrian accidents in Houston. For starters, the city can do a better job of maintaining existing crosswalks and installing new ones in areas where they’re needed. The city can also crack down on distracted driving by increasing traffic enforcement and educational campaigns focused on the dangers of texting while driving.
Pedestrian accidents are a serious problem in Houston, but there are steps that can be taken to mitigate the issue. With more crosswalks and better enforcement of distracted driving laws, we can make our streets safer for everyone involved.
The Do’s and Don’ts of Pedestrian Traffic Laws in Houston
As a pedestrian, it is important to know and follow the traffic laws in your city to avoid getting into an accident. In Houston, there are specific laws in place to protect pedestrians. Today we will review some of the most important pedestrian traffic laws in Houston so that you can stay safe when walking around the city.
Do: Walk on the Sidewalk Whenever Possible
Whenever possible, you should walk on the sidewalk. If there is no sidewalk available, walk on the shoulder of the road facing traffic. This allows drivers to see you and makes it less likely for you to get hit by a car.
Don’t: Jaywalk
Jaywalking is illegal in Houston. Jaywalking occurs when a pedestrian crosses a roadway outside of a crosswalk or marked crosswalk zone. Jaywalking can be very dangerous as it puts you in the path of oncoming traffic. If you must cross the street outside of a crosswalk, make sure to look both ways and only cross when there are no cars in sight.
Do: Use Crosswalks
There are many marked crosswalks throughout Houston. When using a crosswalk, make sure to look both ways before crossing and only cross when the “Walk” signal is lit up. Do not start crossing if the “Don’t Walk” signal is lit up or if there is a car coming.
Don’t: Stand in the Roadway
Standing in the roadway is not only illegal, but it is also dangerous. If you are waiting to cross the street, make sure to stand on the sidewalk or shoulder so that you are not blocking traffic.
By following these pedestrian traffic laws, you can help keep yourself safe when walking around Houston. In case, you have become the victim of pedestrian accidents even after following all the traffic rules, you deserve compensation. Contact team of best Houston personal injury lawyer from Personal Injury Attorneys today!
Hazardous Roads in Texas are to Blame for Recent Pedestrian Accidents
In the past few months, there has been an alarming number of pedestrian accidents in Texas. In Houston alone, there have been 28 pedestrian fatalities since January 2020. That is a significant increase from the 18 fatalities reported during the same time period last year. What is causing this surge in accidents? The answer is simple: hazardous roads.
Poor Road Conditions Lead to Pedestrian Accidents
Hazardous road conditions are a leading cause of pedestrian accidents. Cracks in the sidewalk, potholes, and uneven pavement can all trip up pedestrians and cause them to fall into the street where they are vulnerable to oncoming traffic. Even well-lit and well-marked crosswalks can be dangerous if the pavement is in poor condition.
Lack of Sidewalks is another Problem
In addition to poorly maintained sidewalks, many Texas roads simply do not have sidewalks at all. This forces pedestrians to walk in the street, exposing them to traffic. When drivers see someone walking on the side of the road, they often assume that the pedestrian will yield to them. However, pedestrians have just as much right to use the roadway as motorists do.
Texas Roads are Dangerous for Everyone
It’s not just pedestrians who are at risk on Texas roads; drivers and bicyclists are also in danger. Poorly maintained roads can cause cyclists to swerve into traffic and drivers to lose control of their vehicles. In 2018, there were more than 564,000 motor vehicle accidents in Texas; almost 4,000 of those resulted in fatalities.
Hazardous roads are a major problem in Texas and they are putting everyone at risk: drivers, pedestrians, and bicyclists alike. Something needs to be done to improve road conditions before more people are injured or killed. The state government needs to invest more money in maintaining its roads and building new sidewalks to protect pedestrians. Until then, everyone needs to be extra careful when traveling on Texas roads. If you are dealing with the legal problems for getting justice in pedestrian accident case, schedule an appointment with Houston pedestrian accident lawyer.
The Dangers of Not Paying Attention While Walking in Houston
According to a recent study, Houston is the most dangerous place for pedestrians in the United States. In fact, there have been more pedestrian accidents in Houston than in any other city in the country over the past decade. So, what is the cause of these accidents? Is it the busy streets? The hot weather? The lack of sidewalks? Or is it something else entirely?
The leading cause of pedestrian accidents in Houston is distracted walking. With so many people glued to their phones, it’s no wonder that accidents are on the rise. Pedestrians are not paying attention to their surroundings when they’re walking, and as a result, they’re not able to react quickly enough when a car or another obstacle crosses their path.
Distracted walking is especially dangerous because it’s often difficult for drivers to see pedestrians who are not paying attention. If a pedestrian is looking down at their phone or otherwise not paying attention, they’re less likely to see a car coming and more likely to walk into traffic. This can often lead to serious injuries or even death.
If you’re planning on walking in Houston, be sure to pay attention to your surroundings. Distracted walking is one of the leading causes of pedestrian accidents in the city, so it’s important to stay alert while you’re on the go. By being aware of your surroundings and staying focused on where you’re going, you can help prevent yourself from becoming another statistic. Don’t forget to take help of the best personal injury lawyers in Houston after you get injured. We can help you throughout the legal representation.