The rising number of pedestrian fatalities locally and throughout the state shows that walking safely requires serious vigilance. By following some practical safety precautions for Broomfield pedestrians, you can increase your chances of arriving at your destination unharmed.
If an accident does happen, injured pedestrians can typically file an insurance claim or lawsuit to pursue compensation for medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering. The pedestrian accident attorneys at Arckey & Steele advocate for those injured due to someone else’s negligence. Learn more about pedestrian safety with our knowledgeable team today.
Use Sidewalks When Possible
Whenever a sidewalk is available, use it. Sidewalks offer you physical separation from vehicles and reduce the chances of being struck by a car. In some areas, sidewalks may end or be interrupted, making it more difficult to keep yourself safe in Broomfield. In those cases, walk as far from traffic as possible and be especially cautious when crossing driveways.
Obey Traffic Signals and Follow Crosswalk Rules
Colorado Revised Statutes § 42-4-802 requires drivers to yield the right-of-way to pedestrians in crosswalks, so you should use marked crossing areas to navigate busy roads. Waiting for the appropriate signal and checking Broomfield traffic carefully before using the crosswalk improves safety. A driver failing to yield in these instances can support negligence allegations in a lawsuit. A consistent cause of pedestrian accidents is drivers turning improperly or failing to yield at crosswalks.
Walk Facing Traffic
If no sidewalk is present and you must walk along the roadway, you should walk facing oncoming traffic. That allows you to see approaching vehicles and gives both you and drivers more time to react and avoid an accident. This safety tip is particularly important when using less-developed streets in Broomfield that lack dedicated pedestrian paths.
Watch Out for Parked Vehicles
Parked cars may block your view of traffic, and drivers may open doors suddenly into your path. Move into a crosswalk only when you confirm that there are no approaching vehicles. Pedestrians should be especially cautious near driveways and alleys in Broomfield, where visibility is limited and cars may enter or exit unexpectedly.
Why Is It Important to Wear Bright Clothing?
As a pedestrian, visibility is critical, particularly in early morning or evening hours. Bright or light-colored clothing increases your chance of being seen day or night. Many pedestrian fatalities occur at night or in dim conditions, so wearing clothing that contrasts with the road’s surface helps drivers see you sooner and more clearly. Reflective safety gear or light-colored outerwear is especially effective for pedestrians near busy roads, where traffic volumes are high during Broomfield’s rush hours.
Avoid Distractions and Stay Alert
Avoid looking at your phone or wearing earbuds that block surrounding noise. Being alert to engine sounds, horns, or emergency sirens can prevent a serious accident. Always scan left, right, then left again before stepping into any street, even if you have the right-of-way. Putting these safety habits into practice helps reduce the risk of getting hit while walking in Broomfield.
Call Today to Learn More About Pedestrian Safety in Broomfield
Taking safety precautions for Broomfield pedestrians is of the utmost importance to avoid catastrophic accidents. However, if you are harmed in a pedestrian accident, Arckey & Steele has decades of litigation experience in state courts and administrative agencies to help you with a personal injury case. With a deliberately small caseload, we provide personalized attention to everyone. Contact us to set up a free case review with one of our pedestrian accident lawyers today.
