Walking is a healthy and environmentally friendly way to get around. However, pedestrian accidents remain a serious concern across Illinois. While drivers bear the legal responsibility to watch for pedestrians, you can take certain precautions to help protect yourself on the road.
Use designated crosswalks
Cross streets at marked crosswalks or intersections when they are available. If you cross at any other location, Illinois law mandates that pedestrians must yield the right-of-way to oncoming vehicular traffic. Crosswalks makes you more visibile to drivers and helps establish your legal right to cross.
Ensure drivers see you
Look directly at approaching drivers before you enter a street. This can help confirm that the driver has seen you. Never assume a vehicle will stop, even at a crosswalk. Illinois law requires drivers to yield to pedestrians within a crosswalk. However, it prohibits pedestrians from suddenly stepping off a curb into traffic when a vehicle is too close to safely stop.
Increase your visibility
Choose bright or reflective clothing during dawn, dusk or nighttime hours. Illinois experiences significant seasonal darkness, making visibility very important, especially during hours of low light or bad weather. Use a flashlight or activate your phone’s light feature when walking after dark.
Eliminate distractions
Keep your phone stored and do not use your headphones before crossing streets. This can help you hear approaching vehicles and emergency sirens. Distracted walking reduces your awareness of potential dangers around you.
Respect traffic signals
Obey pedestrian signals and traffic lights at all times. These signals coordinate traffic flow and create safe crossing opportunities. Crossing against the signal puts you at significant risk, even if the street appears clear.
When accidents happen
Despite taking precautions, pedestrian accidents still occur due to driver negligence. Distracted driving, speeding and failure to yield cause many of these collisions. If a vehicle strikes you while walking, you may take legal action.