As winter settles in, snowy and icy conditions can make roads and walking surfaces slick. Even when drivers and pedestrians are at their most cautious, accidents happen. When a person is hit by a moving vehicle, the injuries can be significant. Here are some safety tips to help you navigate the sidewalks and streets this winter—and any time of the year. • Always obey traffic signals. • Cross streets at a corner, following traffic signals and using crosswalks. Try to make eye contact with drivers before crossing in front of them. Do not assume that because you can see the driver, the driver can see you. • Look left, right, and left again when crossing, and keep looking as you cross. Walk, do not run, across the street. • Walk on sidewalks or paths. If there are no sidewalks, walk facing traffic as far to the left as possible. • Watch for cars that are turning or backing up. • Parents should hold their child’s hand in parking lots and heavily trafficked areas. • Make it easy for drivers to see you by dressing in light colors. • When walking at night, wear reflective materials and use a device to illuminate you. • Use extra caution when crossing multiple-lane, higher-speed streets.
Mr. Finkelstein is the Managing Partner of Finkelstein & Partners, LLP. He has become a noted consumer activist through his representation of injured individuals against corporate wrongdoers and irresponsible parties.
An accomplished litigator, Mr. Finkelstein has represented Plaintiffs in wrongful death and catastrophic personal injury cases. He has successfully handled dozens of multi-million dollar cases.