Spring a dangerous time for pedestrian accidents in Boston

Earlier this month CBS 3 reported on the death of a pedestrian who did not use the crosswalk while crossing the street.

Our Boston personal injury lawyers know that as the weather improves so does the risk for a Boston pedestrian accident.

A young woman was killed after being hit by a van on State Street. The accident occurred just before the Boston Road and Berkshire Avenue split around 8:30 pm on a Friday night.

It appeared that the woman was not in the crosswalk. The police reported that road and weather conditions were poor at the time of the crash. It was raining and the roads were slippery when the accident occurred.

The van that hit the woman stopped after the collision and police indicated that alcohol did not contribute to the crash.

The victim did not have ID on her when she was hit.

This tragedy illustrates an important safety tip: pedestrians should always use crosswalks. They are designed to alert drivers to look for pedestrians. Crossing in the middle of the block is dangerous because the driver is not expecting to see a pedestrian. If a crosswalk is not available, never cross at a bend or a hill in the road. You must always be able to see approaching traffic. Always look left, right, and left again before crossing and move quickly but don’t run across the street.

Here are more tips to be a safer pedestrian:

-Sidewalks are designed for pedestrians, use them. The curb is actually a small safety barrier between you and vehicles.

-If sidewalks aren’t available walk facing traffic on the left side of the street. Facing traffic gives you more time to react.

-Wear retro-reflective materials, which can be seen up to 500 feet at night. The color white can be seen up to 180 feet and dark clothing can only be seen from about 80 feet away. Carry flashlights or reflectors when walking at night.

-Pay attention and don’t wear ear buds or headphones. Be aware of your surroundings.

-Walk defensively because drivers don’t always pay attention. Make eye contact with drivers; don’t ever assume they see you. Though pedestrians usually have the right-of-way, better to be safe than injured and right.

-Refrain from crossing the street intoxicated. Poor judgment, reflexes and balance can lead to a pedestrian accident.

-If you are heading out for an early morning jog or walk, bring ID with you in case you are involved in a serious accident.

If you have been injured in a car or pedestrian accident in the Boston area, contact Massachusetts Car Accident Attorney Jeffrey S. Glassman for a free and confidential appointment to discuss your rights. Call (617) 777-7777.