Austin is applauded for many different things, including its eclectic music and food scenes, its rich history, and its “weirdness.” But one thing that those in Austin don’t like to talk about is the fact that Austin is also one of the worst cities in the country in terms of the number of pedestrian deaths. In fact, in Texas, pedestrian deaths account for approximately 16 percent of all motor vehicle accident-related traffic deaths, according to Patch.com, and in Austin, there were nearly two dozens pedestrian deaths in 2017, and even more the previous year. Austin pedestrian accident attorney Robert Littlefield Buford III, Attorney at Law, is here to support and guide you if you’ve been in a pedestrian accident in our city. Here are some tips to avoid an accident running or walking in Austin – if you’re hit by a car, call our law firm for your free consultation.

Turn Off the Music

It seems like everyone today is walking or running with earbuds, which play favorite music, news updates, or podcasts. But while the numerous entertainment options provided by smart devices may indeed be enjoyable, walking or running without being able to hear what’s happening around you is very dangerous. Your sense of sound is something that keeps you safe, allowing you to hear approaching vehicles, horns, and other potential dangers. The safest thing that you can do is to take your earbuds out when walking or running in the city.

Put Your Phone Away

Just as running or walking with your earbuds in can be dangerous, so is looking down at your phone, especially when crossing a street. Phones are one of the biggest distractions that drivers and pedestrians are at risk of falling victim to, and the uptick in pedestrian accidents nationwide has been contributed to, in part, using a mobile device while walking. When your eyes are on your phone, you are unable to see what’s directly beneath you (walking hazards) or what’s in front of you (like oncoming motor vehicles). If you must use your phone, do so while stationary and in a safe location.

Wear Bright Colors

If you’re someone who likes to get in an early morning or after-work walk or jog, remember that lighting is typically poor during these times, especially during the winter. In order to improve visibility and help drivers be able to see you, wear bright and light colors, such as white or fluorescent yellow. If you’re walking or running when it’s dark, wear reflective tape and consider attaching a light to your body.

Call Our Pedestrian Accident Attorney if You’re in a Crash

Walking and running in Austin are activities that are undoubtedly good for one’s health, but do pose the risk of being dangerous. Even if you’re being safe, it’s impossible to predict the actions dangerous drivers on the road. If you or a loved one is involved in a pedestrian accident in Austin, our pedestrian accident attorney at the office of Robert Littlefield Buford III, Attorney at Law, can help. Call our law firm today or send us a message to schedule your free consultation.

There are approximately 56.6 million kids currently enrolled in elementary and secondary schools throughout the United States, according to the National Center for Education Statistics, and every day, many of these children walk through school zones. But school zones aren’t always safe. Indeed, SafeKids.org observed unsafe driver behavior in nearly one out of every three school zone drop-offs or pick-ups, and statistics tell us that there are five teen pedestrian deaths every week. Our Austin pedestrian accident attorney is passionate about reducing the number of pedestrian accidents and school zones and elsewhere. Here are some things that you can start doing today to mitigate an Austin school zone accident.

Pay Attention

One of the biggest threats to drivers and pedestrians alike is the risk of driver distraction, especially in a school zone. When drivers turn their attention away from the road for even a short amount of time, the consequences can be deadly. When you’re behind the wheel, say “no” to distractions. This means putting away a cell phone, stopping your car in a safe location if you need to attend to passengers (including children and pets), and refraining from eating and drinking.

Slow Your Speed

The faster that a vehicle is traveling at the time of impact, the more force that is involved in a collision and therefore the greater the risk of serious injury or death to the pedestrian. School zones typically require that drivers limit their speed to 20 miles per hour. If there are children crossing, even this is too fast. Slow your speed and wait until the coast is clear until proceeding.

Talk to Your Kids About Safe Behavior When Walking or Driving

Whether you have little ones who are walking in school zones on a daily basis or a teen who just got their license, it’s important to have a conversation about safe driving or walking behavior (whichever is relevant to your child). Walkers, including child pedestrians, are more distracted than ever before, especially with the ubiquity of smart devices and earbuds that encourage kids to look down at their phones and tune out. Remind your child that looking up and taking out earbuds when crossing the street is the safest thing that they can do, and discourage behaviors like running across the street.

For your teen driver, remind them of the basic safe driving techniques discussed above–the importance of driving distraction-free and slowing one’s speed–and the risk of having other teens in the car.

Call Us Following an Austin School Zone Accident

If you or your child has been injured in an Austin school zone accident, you need a skilled pedestrian accident lawyer on your side who will aggressively advocate for you. At the law office of Robert Littlefield Buford III, Attorney at Law, our Austin pedestrian lawyer has the experience and passion that your case deserves. Call our lawyer today for a free consultation about your case, or tell us more by sending us a message using the intake form on our website.