Preventing Boston Pedestrian Accidents: Tips for Pedestrians and Drivers

Boston is an amazing city and many people choose to walk to and from their destination instead of drive. It is much more economical, environmentally friendly, and healthful than driving a car, but it is also much more dangerous. With the increasing incidence of distracted driving, pedestrians are at an extremely high risk of being struck, and likely killed, by a negligent driver. But there are ways both pedestrians and drivers can ensure that crossing the street does not require taking your life in your hands.

At the Kiley Law Group, our pedestrian accident attorneys have seen the damage that can be done by irresponsible drivers and hope that these tips will help prevent future accidents:

Tips for Pedestrians

• Cross only at intersections, at a crosswalk, or street corners.
• Where possible, always walk on the sidewalk; if there is no sidewalk, walk as far left on the street as possible, facing traffic.
• Obey all traffic signals before walking into the road.
• Never run into the road; always stop and check for traffic before crossing.
• Watch out for turning traffic, especially on a red light.
• Look both ways before crossing a street.
• Make sure traffic has fully stopped before walking into the road.
• Be wary of driveways, specifically the cars entering or exiting them.

Tips for Drivers

• Obey all traffic signals and follow all speed limits.
• Look for pedestrians at street corners and intersections even if there is no traffic signal or stop sign.
• Make sure the car’s headlights are on (and working) at night.
• Be very cautious near parks and in school zones.
• Keep as close to the center of the road as possible when there is no sidewalk.
• Always stop before sidewalks when entering or exiting driveways and look both ways for pedestrians.
• Always come to a full stop at red lights and stop signs.

When a Massachusetts Car Accident Lawyer Can Help

In an ideal world, all drivers would practice caution when pedestrians are present, but this is unfortunately not how it typically works in reality. If you or a loved one has been injured in a MA pedestrian accident as the result of a driver’s negligent actions, you may be entitled to pursue legal action.

 Contact the Kiley Law Group today to find out how you can obtain the compensation you deserve after an injury auto accident. For a free consultation, call (888) 208-1695.

Distracted Driving Claims Lives in MA Car Accidents

Distracted driving is a major cause for many accidents in the United States. Whether it’s taking calls on their cell phones or texting, snacking in the car or even grooming themselves while driving, the fact of the matter is that these drivers do not pay their full attention to what happens on the road. In some cases, a moment of inattention can cost them their lives.

Inexperienced drivers are especially at risk. Teenagers, who are more likely to own a cell phone than any other part of the population, are also more likely to text while driving. It is no wonder then that there are laws in many states that ban cell phone use while driving, especially for teenage drivers.

Massachusetts Cell Phone While Driving Laws

 

The state of Massachusetts currently bans:

• Texting while driving for all drivers. Fines include $100 for the first offence, then $250 and $500 for each subsequent offence.
• Cell phone use for drivers under 18. The fines are $100 for the first offence, $250 for the second offence and $500 for each subsequent offence, plus license suspensions.
• Cell phone use for school bus operators and other public transit operators. Fines are $500.

Distracted Drivers Cause Accidents

 

Earlier this summer, an 18-year-old driver was sentenced to jail for causing a fatal Massachusetts car accident while texting. The accident claimed the life of a 55-year-old New Hampshire man and seriously injured his girlfriend.

Police found that on the day of the crash the then17-year-old driver, sent 193 text messages, including some just minutes before the accident, and dozens more after it. According to police, his car crossed the center line of the street and collided head-on with the victim's vehicle. The 55-year-old victim was fatally injured and died 18 days later from his injuries.

Another recent Massachusetts car accident was also caused by distracted driving, in this case, from eating and driving. According to The Boston Globe, an 18-year-old female driver was reaching into a bag of fast food when she went through a flashing red light and collided with a trooper’s cruiser. Luckily no one was injured in this accident, but it goes to show that even a small distraction, such as reaching for food, can result in a car accident. She received several citations for her actions.

If You Have Been Injured in a Distracted Driving Accident

 

If you have been injured in a Massachusetts car accident that was caused by someone else’s negligent driving, it is in your best interest to consult with a Boston personal injury attorney about your accident. Depending on the causes behind your accident and the severity of your injuries, you may be entitled to financial compensation. Your attorney will examine all the details surrounding your accident and will determine the best course of legal action to help you secure the compensation you deserve.

 Call (888)208-1695 to schedule your FREE consultation.