Safety Tips for Runners, Walkers & Joggers in Nashville
Posted in Pedestrian accident on July 3, 2022
Nashville is an active and vibrant city, and plenty of people are out and about running, walking, or jogging on a regular basis. However, it is crucial for these individuals to take steps to remain safe when they head out near the roadways. Here, we want to discuss some safety tips for all types of pedestrians as they set out to exercise and enjoy Nashville.
The Safety Tips You Need to Know
If you want to remain safe around Nashville as a pedestrian, the following tips can help:
- Try to run, jog, or walk only where there are sidewalks available.
- If you have to be on the roadway, keep to the far left and face oncoming traffic if you are running or jogging.
- You need to remain visible at all times. Typically, we recommend jogging, walking, or running during the daylight hours. If you have to be out at dawn, dusk, or night, you should wear clothing that is bright and even reflective.
- Do not forget that motor vehicles, even though they typically have to yield to pedestrians, often do not. These vehicles weigh thousands of pounds, and there will be no contest in a vehicle versus human collision. The vehicle is going to win every time.
- Pedestrians should not run with headphones in their ears. Doing so takes away one of the main senses that can help alert a pedestrian to approaching dangers, including barking dogs, honking horns, or vehicle engines.
- Cross the street only where there are marked crosswalks if you can. Before crossing, look in both directions, and only cross if there are no other vehicles or if the other vehicles have stopped. Make direct eye contact with other drivers so that you know that they have seen you.
- Leave most valuables at home if you are out walking or jogging. Do not carry large amounts of cash on you, and keep the basics: cell phone, house or car key, identification. Carrying more valuables could end up making you the target of nefarious individuals.
- Try and run or jog with others. When you have a group, this makes you safer from others who may wish you harm. Do you have a dog that likes to run? If so, you can consider bringing your dog to help deter any Individuals from approaching you.
What if You Are Injured in an Accident?
If you or somebody you care about has been injured in a pedestrian accident caused by the negligence of another driver, the number one priority is seeking medical care. In the aftermath of getting stabilized, you should be able to take the steps to recover compensation from the at-fault driver. We strongly encourage you to speak to a skilled Tennessee pedestrian accident attorney who has experience handling these issues. You may be able to recover compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, property damage expenses, and pain and suffering losses.
These claims can become complicated, particularly when it comes to determining fault. The other party could try and place some or all the blame for the incident on you, but your lawyer will push back against these allegations of fault and work diligently to recover maximum compensation on your behalf.