Walking is a big part of life in North Carolina, especially in beautiful coastal towns like Morehead City. Those scenic views and promenades are great for strolling, but they also mean more people walking around. This increased pedestrian activity can be risky, particularly near cars and especially at night. Nighttime walking and jogging are often unavoidable, so it’s very important to be extra careful and prioritize pedestrian safety when it’s dark.
Factors contributing to nighttime pedestrian accidents
Several things make nighttime pedestrian accidents more likely. Here are some key factors:
- Reduced visibility: When the sun goes down, drivers have a much harder time seeing pedestrians.
- Fatigue: Drivers and pedestrians alike can be more tired at night, which slows down reaction times.
- Impaired driving: Sadly, drunk driving happens more often at night.
- Inadequate infrastructure: Many areas lack good streetlights or sidewalks, making it more dangerous for people on foot.
- Speeding: Drivers sometimes speed more at night when there’s less traffic, making it harder for them to stop quickly.
These risks mean drivers need to be extra careful at night. If they aren’t, they put lives in danger and could be responsible for serious injuries, deaths and significant legal consequences.
How to protect yourself as a pedestrian
Staying safe as a pedestrian, especially at night, means being alert and prepared. You might think bright, reflective clothing is the best answer, but recent studies show that some car safety systems might have trouble seeing certain types of reflective gear. For example, clothes with reflective strips that outline your arms and legs (like what road workers wear) can sometimes confuse car sensors. This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t wear reflective clothing, but it’s good to know that technology isn’t perfect.
The best way to stay safe is to use a combination of strategies. Carry a flashlight or use your phone’s light to be more visible. Start sticking to well-lit areas and use sidewalks whenever you can. If there’s no sidewalk, walk facing traffic. You should always be alert and avoid distractions like using your phone while walking. Even if you have the right of way, never assume a driver sees you.
When to seek legal help
If you’ve been in a pedestrian accident, you have rights. Being hit by a car can have a huge impact on your body. With bigger vehicles on the road these days, the bigger the car, the worse the injuries can be. Hospital bills can pile up as you recover, and many pedestrian-vehicle collisions are far from minor. This can mean physical and financial hardship ahead.
For accidents that cause significant injuries, hospitalization or long-term health problems, consider seeking a legal professional. They can help you pursue compensation for medical bills, lost wages and other losses.
Also, North Carolina’s contributory negligence law can complicate pedestrian accident cases. Even if you were partly at fault, you might still have options, and a lawyer can help you understand them.
A walker or jogger shouldn’t be afraid to go about at night just because of these safety concerns. Drivers must prioritize pedestrian safety. This begins with drivers taking responsibility for their actions and driving safely, especially around pedestrians and in low-light conditions.