San Jose pedestrian accident rates have significantly risen over the years. For instance, there were 32 pedestrian deaths in 2022, compared to 23 in 2021.
Poor visibility on busy streets like Fruitdale Avenue, Willow Street, and Branham Lane is one of the major causes of these incidents. If you unfortunately become a victim, you can hire a San Jose pedestrian injury lawyer to help you navigate the complex judicial process.
An attorney also assists in determining the party at fault in the accident. In this article, we’ll review the causes of poor visibility on San Jose roads and how to stay liberty safe as a pedestrian.
Causes of Poor Visibility on Roads
Before looking at how to overcome poor visibility as a pedestrian, let us first review the major cause of low visibility in San Jose. Here are the common reasons:
- Extreme weather conditions: San Jose is subject to fog, storms, and extended rainy periods
- Damaged street lights
- Defective vehicle parts like lights and wipers
- Sudden power outages at night
Pedestrians are at risk of directly suffering from all the above factors. This includes natural causes like weather, where drivers may lose control and go off the road.
So, how can you protect yourself in these low-light conditions? Read on to find out.
How to Stay Safe on Low-Visibility Roads as a San Jose Pedestrian
Walk on Well-Lit Streets
Dark and busy streets are prone to accidents. Distracted drivers may not notice you when parking or evading another vehicle. Therefore, use a well-lit path, especially in a new area.
Additionally, a well-lit street is convenient when you’re multitasking, for example, using your phone while walking. It ensures you’re easily noticed by others, including bicycle and motorcycle riders.
Strictly Use Crosswalks
Drivers must slow down when nearing a crosswalk. Regular motorists in the area easily recognize various crosswalk points at night, helping them know when and where to slow down.
Additionally, the reflective white lining alerts drivers to where to slow down in cases of power outages. Therefore, using crosswalks in the dark will prevent avoidable accidents.
Wear Reflective Clothes
Reflective upcoming fashion clothing comes in handy when the streets are completely dark. A simple white or neon-colored T-shirt is enough to alert a motorist.
Here are situations when reflective wear is helpful for pedestrians:
- In total darkness, when crossing or walking along a main road
- During extreme weather conditions, which limit windshield visibility
- When you’re a street or highway vendor. Wear a reflector similar to that of a motorcycle rider
Stay Focused
Using your phone might distract you, leading you to cross the road at the wrong spot. It is best to stay alert and avoid distractions such as:
- Conversing while standing on the roadside
- Losing focus when watching street activities like bands
- Walking too fast. You might unknowingly push another pedestrian towards busy traffic
If necessary, look for a safe spot to pick up a call or converse with your friend.
Make Eye Contact with Motorists
Though unadvised, sometimes you might be in a hurry and need to cross a road from a random point. In such scenarios, making eye contact with a driver from a distance can alert them of your crossing.
Conclusion
Undoubtedly, low-light conditions cause visibility issues and are a great risk for San Jose pedestrians. Unlike motor vehicle passengers, partially protected by a vehicle’s hard body, pedestrians are fully exposed to the effects of the crash.
In the article, we review how lowly lit environments can cause accidents and highlighted how pedestrians can protect themselves on such roads. No worries if you’re involved in one. A San Jose pedestrian injury victim attorney can help you follow up on the legal process.
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