The weather will soon start to steadily warm, and people in Chicago will come out to enjoy it, whether it is walking around downtown or taking a jog on the shoreline of Lake Michigan. The city comes alive as the temperature starts to increase.
Sadly, this warming trend comes with a price: pedestrian injuries. Each year, the number of people seriously injured or killed in incidents with vehicles is steadily climbing. An increase in cars on busy city streets along with a large number of construction sites only hurts pedestrians in the long run. Take a look at three things you can do this spring to protect yourself from becoming a statistic.
- Only use crosswalks
Traffic is difficult to navigate downtown no matter what time of the day or night. One of the fundamental practices you should already engage in is only utilizing crosswalks to get from one side of the street to the other. Do not step out into the crosswalk until all vehicles at the lights have stopped.
- Steer clear of construction zones
If you can avoid walking around construction areas, do it. An increase in trucks and equipment can decrease visibility all around. You may not notice a car on the other side of a parked vehicle, and vice versa, or a truck delivering supplies may have a difficult time stopping in time.
- Wear bright clothing at night
Perhaps you work in the evenings, or you enjoy the crisp nighttime weather. When venturing out in the evening, wear brighter colors. If you have something with reflective strips on it, wear that. Use a flashlight or a headlamp to illuminate your path further.
Keeping these tips in mind can help you stay safe this spring and beyond, but if you do sustain an injury in an accident with a vehicle, you may be able to receive compensation.