San Francisco, with its bustling streets, steep hills, and high-speed traffic, can pose significant risks to pedestrians. Without extra vigilance, a routine walk can turn into a serious, tragic situation. As a pedestrian in San Francisco, you can protect yourself by adhering to some basic, yet essential rules of the road.
In San Francisco, you are sharing the streets with a diverse range of traffic, including cars, trams, cyclists, and other pedestrians. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times and keep an eye out for unexpected situations.
This simple advice can save lives. Even when the pedestrian light is in your favor, take a moment to look left and right before stepping onto the street. Not everyone on the road may follow the rules, so a second glance can help you avoid any unexpected dangers.
Drivers expect to see pedestrians at crosswalks, but not on other parts of the road. Many pedestrian accidents occur due to a failure to use a designated crosswalk.
To protect yourself, avoid the temptation to jaywalk or cross from undesignated areas. Make it a rule to only cross streets in these marked areas to reduce the risk of accidents.
In a city that is often shrouded in fog or shadows from towering buildings, maintaining high visibility is critical. Wear brightly colored or reflective clothing, especially at night or in poor lighting conditions, to ensure that drivers can see you.
Sidewalks provide a designated space away from the flow of traffic, helping shield pedestrians from potential collisions. Always walk on the sidewalk when one is available.
If a sidewalk is not available, walk facing the direction of oncoming traffic. This rule is particularly important in the hilly areas of the city, where visibility can be limited over the crests of hills.
Many pedestrians are struck by vehicles that are turning but fail to check the road for pedestrians beforehand. With many one-way streets and complex intersections, it is important to be aware of vehicles making turns. Even when you have the right of way, always take a moment to ensure that drivers are aware of your presence before you cross the street.
Although these tips can help you stay safe while walking in San Francisco, pedestrian safety is a two-way responsibility. Unfortunately, some drivers neglect to uphold their end of the agreement, committing negligent acts that put pedestrians at risk.
If you are injured in a pedestrian accident, it is important to remain calm and seek help as soon as you can. Call 911 to report the accident to the police and seek medical attention for your injuries. If you are able, document evidence by taking photos and videos, collecting the driver’s contact information, and speaking to any witnesses who saw the collision happen.
Once you have received medical care, contact a San Francisco pedestrian accident lawyer as soon as possible. An attorney can help you understand your legal options and take your first steps toward filing an insurance claim or lawsuit, advocating aggressively for your right to financial compensation.
