Pedestrians face serious risks around traffic, so it’s important for them to focus on being safe. One way to do this is to avoid distractions.
For example, pedestrians are sometimes hit while they’re looking down and scrolling on their phones. They may be reading social media, reading the news, watching a video, sending a text message or doing something else. But if they’re paying attention to these on-screen activities, they could accidentally walk in front of traffic, cross the road when they don’t have the cross signal or make other serious mistakes.
Similarly, common advice for runners is to avoid listening to music on headphones. Many runners do this because it helps pass the time and gives them entertainment on a long run. But headphones insulate the runner from the road noise around them and distract them from what’s happening, making them more likely to be injured.
Is this the pedestrian’s fault?
One important thing to remember is that the above is merely safety advice. People are less likely to be struck by vehicles if they leave the distractions at home.
However, as long as pedestrians are still following traffic rules, this doesn’t mean it’s their fault. For instance, a runner may be jogging across the road, using the crosswalk while they have the walk signal. Another driver may be turning left and could strike them. If the runner was listening to headphones and didn’t hear the approaching vehicle, that doesn’t mean the accident is their fault. They still have the right of way, and it is the negligent driver who is at fault.
As such, it’s important for those who have been injured to know how to seek financial compensation for medical bills and other costs.
