On behalf of Judy Albanese of Gold, Albanese, Barletti & Locascio, LLC posted in Pedestrian Accidents on Wednesday, March 16, 2016.

Going for a walk is excellent exercise, but another thing you need to exercise is care when you’re a pedestrian on New Jersey roads. That is because pedestrians are the most vulnerable section of the population that uses roads. If you are hit by a car, motorcycle or bicycle as a pedestrian, you could suffer a serious and life-threatening injury.

On average, 430 people per day end up in U.S. emergency rooms because of pedestrian related traffic accidents. Additionally, every two hours, an average of one person dies from pedestrian crash injuries. Indeed, no matter how attentive you think you are, the dangers of being in a pedestrian crash are real, so be sure to take as many precautions as you can whenever you go for a walk.

So here is some simple, easy-to-remember advice for staying safe. We’re giving you the “short” list because we want you to remember it. If pedestrians only did these things, then the numbers we just referenced above would be dramatically less, and that’s not an understatement.

First, only cross the street where there is a designated crosswalk or at an intersection. Second, use reflective clothing and carry a flashlight at night. Third, use a sidewalk whenever possible, and if no sidewalk is there, walk facing traffic on the shoulder of the road and give yourself plenty of distance from the oncoming traffic. Fourth, but not least, put your electronic devices in your pocket and minimize all other distractions, i.e., keep your eyes on the road.

If you or a loved one suffered injury in a pedestrian crash, you may be able to seek financial restitution for the injuries in court. Before initiating such an action, however, you may want to discuss the facts of you case with a personal injury attorney who is experienced in the pursuit of such cases.

Source: CDC, “Walk This Way! Taking Steps for Pedestrian Safety,” accessed March 16, 2016