Pro-Life Advocate Killed in Indiana Pedestrian Accident

A pedestrian who was walking across U.S. 40 was killed as she walked to support life. The fatal accident happened at about 5:00 a.m. and the woman was wearing a reflective vest when she was hit in Hendricks County.

According to WISH-TV, the woman was walking in support of the Pro-Life movement. She was walking with the Crossroads group, which is venturing from San Francisco to Washington D.C.Highland accident lawyers know summer is the most dangerous time of year for all types of motor vehicle accidents in Northern Indiana, including bicycle and pedestrian accidents.

During the summer season, we see a significant increase in the number of pedestrians and bicyclists along our roads, a fact that increases everyone’s risk for an accident. As a matter of fact, the most dangerous time of the year for both pedestrians and bicyclists is between the months of May and August.

To help pedestrians to avoid accidents with motor vehicles, we’re here to offer some potentially life-saving walking tips.

Pedestrian Safety Tips:

-Don’t listen to headphones or mess with your telephone before attempting to cross the street. Distracted walking is dangerous.

-Always make eye contact with drivers before attempting to cross the road.

-Make sure that you obey traffic signs and cross at properly marked crosswalks.

-While you’re waiting to cross the street, make sure you stay behind the curb. Don’t stand on it.

-Look both ways before attempting to cross the street.

-Be extra careful when it’s raining.

-Avoid drinking and walking. Just like drinking and driving, it increases your risks for an accident.

-Wear brightly-colored clothing to make yourself more visible.

-Walk on the sidewalk whenever there is one available.

-Make your travel as predictable as possible.

Bicyclists are just as vulnerable. Bicyclists of all ages need to be careful along our roadways. A helmet should always be worn even though there is no bicycle helmet law in the state of Indiana, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

Bicyclists are prohibited from riding more than two abreast in Indiana except on paths or parts of roadways that are set aside for the exclusive use of bicycles. Riders are also required to have a lamp on the front of their bike that can be seen from at least 500 feet when riding a half an hour after sunset until a half an hour before sunrise. You also want to make your maneuvers as predictable as possible. When drivers can see you and know where you’re headed, your risks for an accident decrease.

Be safe out there. Summertime doesn’t have to be such a dangerous time on our roadway for travelers. Be cautious and alert to help reduce everyone’s risk of becoming a tragic summer statistic.

Attorney Burton A. Padove represents those who have been the victims of pedestrian and bicycle accidents in Northern Indiana. Call (219) 836 2200 today.

More Blog Entries:

ATV Accidents in Highland a Risk of Child Injury, Indiana Injury and Family Lawyer Blog, July 13, 2012