Safety Routines for San Diego Pedestrians to Avoid Accidents and Injury
Many people are aware of the stereotypes Americans don within the world... as an extremely obese society with poor exercise habits. While recent obsessions with healthier foods and gym memberships have started to kick in, it is no wonder we stand where we do based on our lifestyle and general day routines, most of which include absolutely no walking or physical exercise, save for from home to the car, and from the car to the office. On top of that, our American cities seem to have been built with little thought for pedestrian safety in mind.
San Diegans, even with our nice weather and active lifestyles, are no different. As a city, we do not have much experience with pedestrian safety. Many San Diegans have admitted to being extremely cautious taking walks in the community because of the high speeds and inattentiveness of many San Diego car drivers.
Here are a few ways for San Diego pedestrians so they can walk safely in your neighborhood, at the beach, or Downtown while going out for drinks or dinner.
Sidewalks and footpaths are present for pedestrians to use. They are there for your safety and should provide a level, easy path allowing you to avoid dodging traffic. Cars are on the street, pedestrians are on the sidewalks. However, it is not uncommon for certain areas to lack footpaths for a variety of reasons. The Washington Street bridge over the SR-163 freeway is a place that has frequent pedestrian use yet the sidewalks mysteriously disappear a few hundred feet before.
If you are walking and lose your footpath, do the following:
- Walk on the side of the road facing oncoming traffic, except for curves, where it is safer to walk on the outside edge of the curve.
- Walk off the roadway, or as close to the edge of the road as you can.
- At night, wear light or bright colored clothing. Carrying something white is helpful, and even a newspaper is better than nothing. Reflective belts or armbands are also a great aide.
Crossing streets is also a cause for concern for those in San Diego walking, jogging, or pushing a stroller. If there is no pedestrian crosswalk for you, cross the road only when it's safe. Check other roads nearby, cars can turn swiftly onto your street just when you thought no one was there. Wait for a gap in traffic before you try to cross the street. If you are crossing the road at night, cross near a street light. Even if there is no crosswalk at an intersection, car drivers are more likely to expect people walking there compared to crossing in the middle of a road. If you get off of a bus, wait until it has moved away from the curb and the busstop before checking the oncoming traffic. If you are crossing the street between parked vehicles, move out into the road only as far as the headlight of the parked car nearest the traffic lanes to check the oncoming traffic.
Most importantly, always use common sense and be aware when you are on foot to protect yourself and your loved ones. San Diego pedestrian accidents happen under a variety of circumstances, but take the time to be safe and enjoy your stroll around our city.
The benefits of exercise and walking are limitless.
The Jurewitz Law Group is located in San Diego, has offices in Carlsbad, California, and serves all of San Diego County including the following cities and towns:
San Diego, Chula Vista, Escondido, Oceanside, Vista, San Marcos, El Cajon, Carlsbad, Poway, Encinitas, La Mesa, Santee, National City, Imperial Beach, Lemon Grove, Coronado.
