The streets of New York City can be a scary place, especially if you’re not used to navigating them. With so many people and cars zooming around, getting lost or winding up in a dangerous situation can be easy. However, with a little bit of preparation and knowledge, you can navigate the streets like a pro! This blog post will give you three tips on how to stay safe while walking around NYC.
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Mind the Cars
When walking around NYC, staying safe around cars is probably the most important thing to keep in mind. People often cross the street without expecting cars to come at them from either direction. Always make sure that you look both ways before crossing the street, even if you have the “walk” sign – many drivers ignore the signs or cannot see them, so you have to be proactive in your safety.
Unfortunately, accidents still happen even when you make eye contact with a driver and they see you. According to the New York City Department of Transportation, two pedestrians are hit by cars every hour in NYC. So even if a driver sees you and stops, it’s your job to make sure that you are not crossing unsafely. Also, be sure to use the crosswalks! Many drivers are not expecting pedestrians in places without crosswalks or stop lights, so using the proper crossings can save you from an accident with a car.
What to Do After an Accident
If you are involved in an accident, make sure to file a report with the police – the driver is liable for your medical bills and other expenses.
Seeking medical attention immediately after an accident is crucial. Some injuries can be seen immediately and treated, such as a broken bone or cut. Others, like concussions and internal bleeding, may not show symptoms for days. Attending injury(ies) as soon as possible is crucial because it saves you from further damage and gets the liability process going faster for your case.
It is always essential to contact an attorney in the event of an accident. If you have been involved in a vehicle accident in NYC, you would want to contact an attorney to discuss your rights. Working with an attorney can ensure that you receive the money you need for medical bills, pain, suffering, lost wages, future medical care, or other expenses. They can also assist you with filing a lawsuit against the driver and ensuring that you receive a fair settlement. Keep in mind that at no point should you discuss your accident with other parties without the presence of an attorney.
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Don’t Be a Distraction
Distractions are dangerous because it’s easy for people to miss where they are walking or accidentally step off the sidewalk. Cell phones, music players, and other electronic devices can distract you from where you are walking. Many people who use their phones to text or talk while crossing the street will not take their eyes off it even when cars are coming at them.
Exercise caution when using devices while walking around NYC – put your phone on silent or vibrate, make sure to remove headphones from your ears, and don’t text or talk while crossing the street. You do not want to be hit by a car because you weren’t paying attention! Distractions like this can result in accidents and injuries.
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Be Seen!
This may seem like a no-brainer, but many pedestrians get hit because they are invisible to cars and other people. Make sure that you can be seen while walking around the city. For riders, this means wearing bright-colored clothing, reflectors, and accessories that can be seen from a long distance away at night time, especially when it’s raining or snowing. During the day, you should always wear bright clothes so that you can be seen easily by cars and other pedestrians.
This means using the crosswalks and obeying traffic signals as much as possible for pedestrians. Also, if you are walking at night or in the rain/snow, it’s essential to be extra careful and avoid dark clothing and accessories that can’t be seen clearly.
Always use proper lighting when crossing the street – flashlights help drivers see you, and cell phone lights can do the same. It’s also important not to walk around with headphones on because you won’t be able to hear cars or other pedestrians trying to get your attention.
Making sure you’re seen and not distracted will help prevent accidents in the city. Using these tips can ensure that you stay safe when walking around NYC and avoid getting injured or killed because of an accident. If you have been injured in a pedestrian accident and need legal representation, contact an attorney for legal assistance.
