As a motorist in Texas, you may not do as good of a job as you may like when it comes to sharing the road with pedestrians. Your oversight could result in an avoidable accident, one where you are at-fault.
With help from Esurance, you can learn how to coexist with travelers on two legs rather than four wheels. Do your part to help keep roads safe.
Pay attention to crosswalks
Upon approaching a crosswalk, be sure to brake behind the white lines, not in the middle of them. Crosswalks make it easier and safer for pedestrians to navigate intersections, and pedestrians take priority at crosswalks. Always look carefully before driving through a crosswalk, no matter what color the traffic light is.
Keep an eye out for kids
While driving through residential areas, school zones and areas adjacent to parks, slow down and keep your eyes peeled for kids who may dart out in the middle of the street. When approaching a stopped school bus, it is best to come to a complete stop. Kids can run out in front of you, oblivious to traffic. Also, you can receive a ticket for passing a stopped school bus with flashing lights.
Use utmost caution in parking lots
Parking lots can be surprisingly deceptive because drivers (usually) do not speed through them. That said, look carefully behind you while backing out of a spot, as a pedestrian could cross your path. Put your turn signals to good use in the parking lot, and make eye contact with pedestrians to ensure you both see and acknowledge each other.
This information is only intended to educate and should not be interpreted as legal advice.