Drivers struck and killed an estimated 7,485 people on foot in 2021 – the most pedestrian deaths in a single year in four decades and an average of 20 deaths every day, according to data collected by the Governors Highway Safety Association.
Hitting a pedestrian is most drivers’ worst nightmare. The potential for serious injuries when a car strikes a person can be very high, and the driver suffers even when they did their very best. Your best defense to avoid a pedestrian collision is to focus 100% on your drive avoiding all distractions.
Since pest control service personnel are continually pulling in and out of driveways and entrances to commercial properties, it is vital that they are keenly aware of walkers, joggers and bike riders.
Five Tips to Avoid A Pedestrian Collision
What can pest control professionals do guard against a collision with a pedestrian? PestSure offers the following tips that can be incorporated into a company’s driver safety programs.
1. Slow Down in Pedestrian Areas - Slow when you see pedestrians, so you have extra time to react. Pedestrians are unpredictable. A fraction of a second makes a difference when attempting to avoid a pedestrian accident. Take it slow in any areas with pedestrian activity such as parking lots, events, schools, parks, etc.
2. Make Eye Contact - Make eye contact with pedestrians. Eye contact helps to communicate with each other about who is going where on the roads. Making eye contact with each other helps to avoid confusion that can result in tragedy.
3. Observe School Crossing Signs - Kids don’t always think to look both ways at a busy street. The special rules and laws for drivers near school buses and in school zones are in place for good reason. Always heed commands of a crossing guard and never take the chance of disregarding a school bus stop sign.
4. If the Car in Front of You Stops, Do Not Assume - If the vehicle in front of you stops suddenly, it can be tempting to try and quickly drive around them. Remember, vehicles rarely just stop for no reason. You may be unable to see a pedestrian who is not paying attention to traffic. Always leave enough follow distance to be able to stop when the car in front of you stops suddenly.
5. Don’t Drive Distracted – Distracted driving is a leading contributor to traffic and pedestrian accidents. Put the phone down, keep the radio at respectable volume, do not eat while driving and be aware of your surroundings.
Reacting to An Accident
With any vehicle accident, there are steps that a driver should try to follow. Hitting a pedestrian is a shocking experience, but it is better to try to respond calmly and methodically to ensure the best possible outcome.
- Be Careful What You Say - You may be understandably shocked after hitting a pedestrian, but it is important to try to remain calm and aware of what you say. Do not imply that it was your fault. You may not have a full understanding of all the facts.
- Call for Medical Help - Establish the condition of the pedestrian and call for medical help. Stay with them until help arrives. Call the police and do not leave the scene. Contact your manager immediately.
- Document Details of the Accident – This information should include:
- Contact details of the pedestrian and any witnesses to the accident.
- Note time, date, location, weather and road conditions, as well as your version of how it happened.
- Name and badge numbers of police officers at the scene.
- Take photos of the accident scene to record details of how it happened.
- Secure the name and contact information for any witnesses.
Remember, smart driving is safe driving. Following your training, reducing distractions and being aware of your surroundings will help reduce the chances of being involved in a pedestrian accident.
PestSure – Your Partner in Safety
Founded in 1980, PestSure is the only insurance and risk management provider that is 100 percent dedicated to the pest management industry. It offers industry professionals a full suite of insurance, risk management, and safety training and education offerings.
PestSure provides insurance, safety and risk management consulting to pest management companies representing $2 billion in revenue, $750 million in payroll and more than 16,500 service vehicles. The program is administered by Alliant Insurance Services.
Call 888.984.3813 or visit our contact page for more information.