Paying attention to your surroundings is important at any time of the day. As we enter the winter season of limited sunlight, you must practice pedestrian safety while late night walking near busy roads and on quiet neighborhood streets.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), nearly 75% of pedestrian fatalities occur at night and 26% occur when people are walking at night between 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. nationally. Additionally, St. Louis County has one of the highest pedestrian fatality rates in over 20 years with more than 100 pedestrians being hit and killed by car, bicycle or pedestrian related crashes in 2022.
Our personal injury attorneys are increasing your awareness for walking late at night. Here are 8 evening walking safety tips you should follow to keep you and your loved ones safe.
1. Avoid late night walking in poorly lit areas.
Not only is it more difficult for you to see a vehicle while late night walking, but it is also hard for you to see who may be behind you. If you are walking on a street at night, stay in areas where there are street lights such as main roadways, neighborhood streets and well lit parking lots and pay close attention to your surroundings.
2. Carry a light source.
If you are walking in a poorly lit or dark area, bring a reliable flashlight, headlamp or use the light feature on your cell phone. Attaching a blinking light to clothing or shoes while running is also helpful to drivers so they may be able to see you as you are running or walking late at night near crosswalks and busy streets.
3. Wear bright clothing.
Bright colored clothing is also a helpful pedestrian indicator for drivers. If you wear black or dark clothing while late night walking or running, drivers may not be able to see you as they travel or turn onto another road.
4. Walk on designated sidewalks and crosswalks.
In Missouri, pedestrians walking on a street at night or during the day must use designated sidewalks and crosswalks and walk against traffic to increase their visibility, especially on or near roadways to avoid entering the flow of traffic. Additionally, drivers must give the right of way for pedestrians who are crossing the street in a marked crosswalk.
However, pedestrians do not always have the right of way. Pedestrians need to avoid suddenly leaving a curb or crosswalk, especially while walking alone at night. If a collision occurs, it may not be possible to find the driver at fault in a personal injury case.
5. Look up, don’t scroll!
Wherever we go, our phones go. But, when you are walking alone at night, you should practice proper pedestrian safety by keeping your eyes up and focused on what is around you. Avoid staring at your phone for the duration of your walk, lower the volume of your headset or use one earbud rather than two so you are able to hear what is going on while night time walking.
6. Follow traffic signals.
Traffic signals are not only for cars. Pedestrians must follow pedestrian signals in crosswalk areas, especially at night when visibility for drivers is lower. According to Missouri pedestrian laws, pedestrians have the right of way when there is a crosswalk and a car does not have any vehicle traffic signals. However, a pedestrian must yield when there are vehicle traffic lights or if there is not a crosswalk present while walking at night.
7. Find people to walk with you.
Walking together in a group increases your chances of receiving help if a pedestrian is hit in an accident. If you are planning any late night walking or running, make sure to move in well lit areas and have your cell phone fully charged in case you need to call for emergency assistance.
8. Be defensive.
As a pedestrian, you cannot assume that drivers will yield the right of way for pedestrians at all times. If you think a vehicle may not be able to see you, look both ways and wait until they pass or turn before you cross a street while walking at night.
Personal Injury Attorneys for Pedestrians
Pedestrian safety while late night walking is essential for avoiding a serious personal injury accident.. If you believe you were injured due to a driver’s negligence while you were walking at night safely, MHM will lead you through the personal injury claim process and help support you in your fight for recovery.
Contact our St. Louis personal injury attorneys to begin developing your case for an injury while walking late at night.