Austin, Texas, is a bustling town with beautiful sights. This makes it the perfect place for alternative transportation. To avoid traffic and enjoy the views, many Austin residents prefer to bike, take an e-scooter, or walk to their destination.
Unfortunately, walking in heavy traffic areas comes with extra risks. Regardless of who has the right-of-way, drivers almost always have the upper hand. Here are four mistakes pedestrians should avoid when crossing busy Austin streets.
1. Ignoring Traffic Safety
Traffic safety protocols have been put in place all across Austin to protect pedestrians and drivers. Some of the most common are crosswalks and pedestrian traffic signals. If you need to cross a busy roadway, find the safest spot to do so. It may feel frustrating to go out of your way to find a crosswalk and then have to wait for the “walk” signal, but these safety procedures provide you with the right-of-way and reduce the chances of a collision.
In 2019, at least five pedestrians were killed trying to cross I-35. In response, TxDot put up barricades on the interstate to prevent walkers from crossing the busy roadway. Unfortunately, these precautions haven’t completely deterred pedestrians from attempting to cross, resulting in fatal collisions. TxDot urges pedestrians to find an alternative route to their destination to avoid crossing the busy interstate.
2. Assuming Drivers Can See You
While pedestrians have the right-of-way in designated areas, always stop to check both ways before crossing a street or parking lot. The driver may not see you. If you step off the sidewalk without warning, the driver may not have enough time to react, which could lead to tragedy.
Never assume a driver will stop for you. Some drivers are not paying attention, and distracted driving is on the rise. For your safety, always assume the driver isn’t going to stop. Take extra precautions before crossing, such as making eye contact with the driver to ensure they see you and stop for you.
3. Distracted Walking
Distracted walking can be just as dangerous as distracted driving. Texting or looking down at your phone can prevent you from seeing potential hazards in front of you. Around busy roadways, always keep your head up and pay attention to your surroundings.
Avoid wearing headphones or playing audio too loud. Part of staying aware is hearing what is happening around you. There could be honking drivers, cyclists, e-scooters, or emergency vehicles behind you. Listening for these potential warnings could prevent you from collision and injury.
4. Misjudging Traffic Speed and Distance
It’s easy to misjudge the speed of an oncoming vehicle when you’re in a hurry, but those few saved seconds aren’t worth the risk. Before stepping into the street, take a moment to decide if you can safely make it across without causing a collision. If it’s questionable, don’t take the risk.
Remember that you can never assume a driver is following the speed limit. Put your safety first and err on the side of caution. If it’s too difficult to cross between oncoming traffic, find a nearby intersection with a designated crosswalk and pedestrian walking signal.
Navigating Austin’s busy streets requires a shared sense of responsibility. By avoiding these common mistakes, you can protect yourself and drivers on the road.
If you’ve been injured in a pedestrian collision, contact a qualified Austin, Texas, personal injury attorney to help get your life back on track.
