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The day after Thanksgiving offers some of the best sales of the holiday season, making it one of the busiest shopping days in America. All of that shopping means lots of traffic, which can be hazardous not only to other drivers but also to pedestrians who often share the road. While people should always be mindful of drivers and hazards around them while walking in Santa Barbara County, there are additional concerns to keep in mind on Black Friday. In general, be wary whenever crossing roads, don’t assume drivers see you and will stop for you; always make eye contact with drivers before stepping in front of their vehicle. Be considerate of other pedestrians on sidewalks.
Safety should always be a concern for any pedestrian. Sharing roadways and sidewalks with vehicles, and bicyclists can be dangerous since most pedestrians do not have any protection against collisions and impacts. Even a run-in with a bicycle can be very painful and result in lacerations and broken bones. The recent popularity of Pokemon GO resulted in numerous incidents in which unwary pedestrians sprained or broke ankles as they stepped off sidewalks, injured their face and hands as they walked into trees and other objects, and even strolled into traffic without realizing it.
Many of these same hazards are present on Black Friday and become more dangerous due to the increase in overall traffic. While pedestrians should always be mindful of their surroundings, it becomes even more important with increased amounts of vehicles and other people. Anyone crossing streets or walking through a parking lot should watch for vehicles and make eye contact with a driver before stepping in front of a car. Even if a vehicle is stopped at a light, a pedestrian should still make sure the driver can see him or her before moving in front of it – especially if the driver is waiting to make a right turn.
Other pedestrians can also present a danger to people, sharing sidewalks and walking around on Black Friday. Many people are tired and distracted after spending hours waiting in lines and shopping, often resulting in a lack of attention and focus. Pedestrians can easily knock each other over or push each other into streets when they don’t pay attention to where they are walking. A little courtesy goes a long way.
Even if you are careful and cautious on Black Friday, there is always the possibility of someone else’s negligence causing you injury. If you or someone you know has been injured in a pedestrian accident, call the Law Office of Renee J. Nordstrand today at (805) 962-2022 to discuss your case and explore your options.