The duties a driver has in avoiding pedestrian accidents

As we noted in a prior post, the change of seasons means that drivers must continue to use reasonable care while behind the wheel; especially during the morning hours, since there are people walking to school, riding bikes and taking morning runs. Because of this, drivers must pay attention to pedestrians and use reasonable care while behind the wheel.

This post will highlight a few of the things that a driver must adhere to as part of their duty to use reasonable care.

Refrain from distracted driving – Of course, drivers must limit distractions while behind the wheel, because failing to do so could result in hitting a pedestrian because the driver was not paying attention to their surroundings.

Yield the right of way to pedestrians – When in doubt, drivers should slow down and stop to let pedestrians cross. Indeed, it is inconvenient and dangerous for pedestrians to cross where cars are whizzing by, but since they do not have the protections of a metal cage surrounding them, drivers must give them the right of way.

Don’t drink and drive – It may seem obvious that you shouldn’t drink and drive, but a considerable number of accidents are caused by drivers who thought they were not too intoxicated to drive. After all, a driver’s judgment and reflexes can be substantially compromised by alcohol, and this is bad news for pedestrians.

Mind speed limits – Aside from alcohol consumption, excessive speed can contribute to a car-pedestrian accident. Essentially, a driver who is travelling above the speed limit may not have enough time to avoid a pedestrian.