7 Life Saving Tips for New Bedford Pedestrians

The 4th of July holiday weekend ended tragically for one New Bedford family after a deadly hit-and-run accident in the South End. Early in the evening of the 4th, SouthCoastToday reports that a 17 year old driver hit a pedestrian.   The pedestrian, a 48 year old New Bedford man, was in a crosswalk with a woman when the 17 year old Brockton resident hit them. 

Fortunately the woman was not injured, but she was taken to St. Luke’s hospital for observation.  The pedestrian, however, died at the scene.

A 2003 National Highway Traffic Safety Administration study showed that 1 in every 5 pedestrian fatalities were caused by hit-and-run car accidents.  And, the New Bedford Fall River Providence area is the state’s most dangerous area for pedestrians. 

Here are 7 tips for pedestrian safety in and around New Bedford that could save your life:

1.    Make yourself more visible to drivers especially during early morning and early evening hours by wearing bright or reflective clothing or carry a flashlight.
2.    Always walk on the sidewalk and when no sidewalk is present, walk facing oncoming traffic. 
3.    Use crosswalks and try to cross at intersections, not in the middle of the street at an unmarked place.
4.    Stand clear of buses, parked cars, hedges, fences or any object that can block a driver from seeing you.
5.    Watch out for cars turning onto the street you're crossing; be sure the driver sees you and stops before you walk.
6.    If there is a traffic signal controlling the intersection, obey the "walk/don't walk" signals.
7.    I know it sounds obvious, but ALWAYS, ALWAYS look left, then right and look left again.

While it is true that a pedestrian generally has the "right of way" under the rules of the road, never assume that the driver of a car or truck knows that and will obey that rule when you are crossing. When in doubt, play it safe and remember these 7 safety tips. Your life may depend upon it.

If you are a pedestrian who has been hurt in a New Bedford or Fall River accident and would like to speak with a lawyer, just contact us - we want to hear your story.