Every day in Connecticut and throughout the country, pedestrians are being injured either through their own fault or through the negligence of motorists. Perhaps you were hit by a car while crossing at a crosswalk or engaging in some other legal activity; you may have good grounds for a personal injury claim.
NHTSA on pedestrian safety
Unfortunately, though claims may be filed against negligent drivers, this is not enough to encourage the average driver to act more safely. This is where the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, an agency of the Department of Transportation, has come in with a new emphasis. It has designated October as National Pedestrian Safety Month.
This step shows the NHTSA’s commitment to collaborating with local and state agencies in the effort to reduce pedestrian accidents. In the month of October, the NHTSA makes several resources available that these agencies can use to identify unsafe driver behaviors and develop plans for curbing them.
What the resources are
During October 2020, the NHTSA devoted each week to some particular behavior among drivers that’s known to put pedestrians in danger. It also posted messages on social media, images and banner ads. The organization also made a downloadable brochure available called “Safe Walking Tips for Youth.”
The NHTSA intends to go further by conducting a National Survey on Bicyclist and Pedestrian Attitudes and Behaviors. It will involve testing pedestrians and bicyclists on their knowledge of traffic laws and pinpoint any unsafe behaviors on their part. Survey respondents will be able to give their own opinion on current safety regulations.
For those injured by negligent drivers
The injuries you suffered at the hands of the driver may have been severe and diminished your capacity to earn a living. You can pursue a personal injury case, but it may be wise to hire a lawyer because the process can be complex. Personal injury lawyers might have a network of third parties, including crash investigators and medical experts, to help prove the defendant’s guilt and determine the extent of the plaintiff’s injuries before negotiations begin.