Safety Tips for Joggers From an Atlanta Pedestrian and Runner Accident Attorney
As the weather warms, the roads around Atlanta will become increasingly busy this time of year with pedestrians, joggers, and runners. While jogging and running are excellent are excellent outdoor activities, cars and trucks can pose a considerable threat to the safety of joggers and runners. The pedestrian and runner accident attorneys at Montlick and Associates, Attorneys at Law, want to make sure area runners and joggers take the precautions necessary to avoid being injured by a car or truck.
Pedestrian Accidents in Atlanta
Anyone who is on foot, whether they are walking, running, or jogging, is considered a pedestrian. In 2013, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported that over 4,735 pedestrians tragically died in accidents nationwide. Atlanta, a bustling metropolis and the site of hundreds of pedestrian accidents annually, is considered one of the more dangerous cities for for such accidents.
Pedestrian accidents typically result in serious bodily injuries and even death. Most runners and joggers will travel along roads with speed limits of over 25 miles per hour, even including those that allow drivers to travel over 50 miles per hour. A person struck by a vehicle traveling at these speeds will likely be critically injured.
Safety Advice for Joggers
Drivers have the responsibility to remain alert and watch out for pedestrians. Runners and joggers also have a duty to pay attention to local ordinances and focus on the road. The following is a list of safety tips, many of which are offered by the Road Runners Club of America:
- Do not wear headphones: Runners often want to listen to music as they run, but wearing headphones can lessen your awareness of your surroundings. You mayt not hear a vehicle approaching and accidents could result. Use your ears to help you avoid dangers.
- Run against traffic: You should run against traffic so that you will see a car approaching and and react promptly in the event of an emergency.
- Carry your cell phone, but do not use it while running: Have your cell phone with you in the case of emergencies, but do not text or use the phone while running. Pedestrian distraction can lead to accidents.
- Look both ways before crossing: Closely check for oncoming traffic before crossing the road and be sure the driver acknowledges your right of way before you cross.
- Obey traffic signals and find the crosswalk: Be sure to heed all traffic signals and, whenever possible, cross major streets in designated crosswalks.
- Wear reflective gear: If running in dim conditions, be sure to wear bright colors and reflective gear to increase your visibility.
Put Our Law Firm's Over 39 Years of Legal Experience to Work For Your Case!
Our Atlanta Pedestrian Accident Attorneys at Montlick and Associates, Attorneys at Law, diligently represent injured pedestrian accident victims and their families. Our firm has been representing those who suffer serious injuries throughout all of Georgia and in the Southeast for over 39 years, including but not limited to Albany, Athens, Atlanta, Augusta, Columbus, Gainesville, Macon, Marietta, Rome, Roswell, Savannah, Smyrna, Valdosta, Warner Robins and all smaller cities and rural areas in the state.
No matter where you are located, our attorneys are just a phone call away, and we will even come to you. Call us 24 hours a day/7 days a week for your Free Consultation at 1-800-LAW-NEED (1-800-529-6333). You can also visit us online at www.montlick.com and use our Free Case Evaluation Form or 24-hour Live Online Chat.
Source:
http://www.rrca.org/