When a Minnesota driver makes the decision to get behind the wheel of their car they assume a duty of care to those who they will encounter. That means that they will act reasonably behind the wheel and will avoid engaging in behaviors that may be dangerous. Not allowing distractions to interfere with driving, not consuming alcohol before driving, and following the laws of the road are all good ways to meet one’s driving duty.
However, there are some extra steps that drivers can undertake to prevent one common and often dangerous form of roadway accidents: collisions with pedestrians. Each year too many individuals are hurt and killed when they are crossing streets, walking on roadways, and engaging in other legal actions on roads. These tips are suggestions to drivers and readers are encouraged to talk to their attorneys if they are harmed in pedestrian accidents.
Drivers should always be aware of their surroundings. That can mean taking extra time to make sure pedestrians are not going to cross in front of them and checking around their vehicles before they back up or turn. Drivers should look low to be aware of children or individuals in wheelchairs before they move their cars, and they should also avoid blocking crosswalks which can force pedestrians to cross where it is not safe.
Drivers who neglect their duties to others and who allow distractions and other problems to cloud their driving can become dangers to other motorists and especially pedestrians. This post does not provide any legal advice and specific answers to pedestrian accident questions can be sought from attorneys who represent personal injury victims.