How Common Is a Pedestrian Accident in Kentucky?
Kentucky is a beautiful state. From the densely wooded Appalachian Mountains to the stunning bluegrass region of the Knobs, everyone should take the time to get outside and enjoy the natural splendor set forth within Kentucky’s borders. And, fortunately for most, walking allows them to do just so. Unfortunately, pedestrian accidents are also all too common and often a daily walk alongside a Kentucky road can turn into something much more deadly. In 2020, 894 pedestrians were injured in a pedestrian accident according to data supplied by the 2020 Kentucky Traffic Collision Report. Of these 896 pediatricians, 96 were killed and 177 suspected a major injury as a result of the accident. Sadly, even those who reported minor injuries were more likely to experience a drastic change in quality of life. Luckily, while it is true that a large number of civilians are injured in a pedestrian accident every year there are some things that you can keep in mind to lower your risk of being one of them. But before we get into that, let's briefly go over just what Kentucky pedestrian laws and traffic laws are in place to protect you.What Kentucky Pedestrian Laws Are in Place to Protect Pedestrians?
Kentucky pedestrian laws are a specific set of laws that apply only to pedestrians within the state of Kentucky. These laws are created to help protect you and can include:- KRS 189.570 (4) | Drivers of vehicles are required to yield to pedestrians when traffic control signals are not working, on a sidewalk, and at any marked crosswalk
- KRS 189.570 (6a-6b) | Pedestrians are to yield to drivers when crossing the street outside of a crosswalk
- KRS 189.570 (13) | When a sidewalk is not available a pedestrian can only walk on the shoulder as far away from the road as possible
- Pedestrians are not allowed to walk in the road when a sidewalk is available
- No pedestrian shall pass through a crossing gate or barrier
What Traffic Laws Affect Pedestrian Safety?
Just as pedestrians have a set of laws in place to protect from vehicles, so do drivers to prevent injury to pedestrians. These traffic laws can include:- KRS 189.570(7) | No vehicle should drive through or within a safety zone
- Operators of vehicles should yield to pedestrians on sidewalks
- KRS 189.575 | Vehicles should always yield to a visibly blind person
Top Pedestrian Safety Tips
So, what can you do outside of maintaining an awareness of Kentucky pedestrian and traffic laws? Quite a lot!- If a sidewalk isn’t available, always walk facing oncoming traffic and as far away from the road as possible.
- Always cross streets at sidewalks and intersections. If there isn’t a sidewalk or intersection available, find a visible area where both you and the driver can see one another. Wait for a pause in traffic before crossing and remember to stay vigilant as you cross.
- Be aware of your surroundings! Understand that a car may surprise you by backing out of a driveway.
- Don’t go for a walk if you’ve been drinking or doing drugs. If you need to get anywhere, ask a sober friend to drive you.
- Always maintain an awareness of what is going on around you. Keep your eyes and ear open to avoid distractions.