Accidents involving pedestrians are common in metropolitan areas of all sizes, including cities like Fargo and Bismarck.
When operating a motor vehicle, exercising caution and being aware of the many people on foot is extremely important because there are many factors that contribute to these collisions.
Common causes
Pedestrians are sometimes victims of motor vehicle accidents due to driver negligence or recklessness. This includes distracted driving, not yielding the right of way and running red lights. Other causes include crosswalks that are not clearly marked, low visibility and impaired driving. Older adults are also more often involved in such accidents when walking in the city.
Avoiding accidents
If you are walking on sidewalks in cities, ensure you only cross the streets at designated areas and wait for the signal to go. Do not look at a cell phone or other electronic device, as it is important to cut back on distractions whether walking or driving. Alcohol-impaired pedestrians can cause accidents just like impaired drivers, so keep that in mind if you plan on walking city blocks after drinking. Nighttime is also more dangerous due to visibility, especially if wearing dark clothing.
If you are a motorist in the city, yield the right-of-way appropriately according to state and city laws. Left turns at intersections are dangerous for pedestrians and are a common cause of accidents. Always watch for people crossing the street, especially before making left-hand turns.
Despite the potential dangers and many causes of accidents, there are easy steps to avoid pedestrian and vehicle collisions.