Whether it’s due to New Year’s resolutions or the feeling of Spring in the air, runners, joggers and walkers are outside hitting the pavement all across Tampa Bay. Bayshore Boulevard is increasingly busy this time of year with runners who are trying to get in their miles in preparation for the Gasparilla Distance Classic. The experienced personal injury attorneys at the Capaz Law Firm want to make sure these runners and joggers are taking the necessary precautions to avoid being injured as pedestrians in a car accident.

Pedestrian and Runner Accident

Person Hit by a Car in Tampa

A pedestrian can be any person who is on foot, walking, running, jogging, hiking, sitting down or lying down. According to research conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), one pedestrian is killed every two hours and injured every seven minutes in traffic-related accidents. It is even more alarming that Florida is consistently ranked as one of the most dangerous states in the U.S. for pedestrian accidents.

It is no secret that pedestrian accidents typically result in serious bodily injuries. Most runners and joggers run along roads with speed limits from 25 to 45 mph. A person being struck by a vehicle traveling 25 mph is the equivalent to falling off a two-story building. A 45 mph impact is the equivalent to falling off a six-story building.

Safety Advice for Runners, Joggers and Walkers

While drivers have a responsibility to be alert and to watch out for pedestrians, pedestrians have an equal responsibility to follow traffic ordinances and to stay alert while running, jogging and walking alongside the road. Some safety tips to help avoid accidents and injuries include:

  • Wear reflective or bright clothing, especially at night.
  • Run, jog or walk on sidewalks. When a sidewalk is not provided, keep to the
  • Be cautious at intersections and crosswalks (even if you have the right of
  • Obey traffic signals and signs.
  • Avoid blind spots and be alert to vehicles traveling in reverse and turning
  • Do not wear earplugs, or keep the volume low.
  • Use common sense and be aware of your surroundings.

Tampa Pedestrian and Runner Injury Lawyers

Unfortunately, pedestrian accidents often occur due to the negligence and recklessness of distracted drivers. And although drivers and insurance companies will try to place blame on the runner, jogger or walker, our Tampa accident lawyers will fight to ensure the negligent drivers are held responsible for their actions. If you or someone you know has been involved in an accident involving a pedestrian, runner, jogger or walker, contact an experienced personal injury attorney at the Capaz Law Firm in Tampa.