Every year, thousands of pedestrians are injured or killed in accidents with motor vehicles. According to the Portland pedestrian accident lawyers  at Sears Injury Law, driver negligence–such as speeding, distracted driving, and failure to yield–is one of the main contributors to these tragic incidents. Even so, pedestrians can take proactive steps to protect themselves and improve their visibility on the road. When drivers can clearly see you, they have more time to react, which can be the difference between a safe crossing and a serious accident. In this article, we will discuss a few ways in which pedestrians can enhance their visibility and increase their safety on the road.

Wear Bright Clothing

One of the easiest and most effective ways to increase your visibility is to wear bright, high-contrast clothing. Vibrant colors such as neon green, orange, or yellow are much easier for drivers to notice, especially in areas with heavy traffic or in low-light conditions.Whenever possible, avoid wearing black or other dark colors while walking, especially in the early morning or late eventing hours. Even during the day, darker colors can cause pedestrians to blend into the background, making them less noticeable to drivers. Investing in a few brightly colored jackets, shirts, or hats for your walks or runs can be a simple yet lifesaving decision.

Use Lights or Reflective Gear

Using lights or reflective gear is another effective way to increase your visibility on the road. This becomes particularly important when walking at night or in poorly lit areas. Pedestrians should consider purchasing reflective gear, such as vests, armbands, or ankle bands, that can catch a driver’s attention and significantly reduce the risk of an accident occuring. In addition to reflective accessories, carrying a flashlight, wearing clip-on LED lights, or wearing a headlamp can drastically improve your visibility as a pedestrian.

Walk in Well-Lit Areas

Whenever possible, choose routes that are well-lit. Adequate lighting not only makes it easier for you to see where you are going, but it also helps drivers spot you sooner. If you must walk on a poorly lit road, be sure to face oncoming traffic as doing so gives you more time to react in the event a driver fails to see you.

Use Crosswalks

Crosswalks are specifically designed to give pedestrians a safer way to cross the road. Whenever available, use marked crosswalks, even if it means taking a slightly longer route. Drivers are much more likely to expect pedestrians in these areas and are legally required to yield the right of way. Jaywalking can put you at serious risk, even in areas with low traffic. If you are using a crosswalk, make sure to follow the pedestrian signals to know when it’s safe to cross. Even though you may have the legal right of way, it’s still important to remain cautious. Make eye contact with approaching drivers to ensure they see you and look both ways before crossing. 

Avoid Distractions

Not only are distractions dangerous for drivers, but being distracted while running or walking can also put you at serious risk. Looking down at your phone or being too absorbed in your music can prevent you from noticing an oncoming vehicle or hearing potential danger. When walking or running, keep your head up and your volume low so you can remain aware of your surroundings, anticipate hazards, and react quickly to keep yourself safe.