Nashville’s status as one of the top vacation destinations in America has only solidified over the past decade. And while tourists used to be concentrated mostly in and around Broadway, they can now be found all over the city. And because many of Nashville’s neighborhoods are walkable, tourists frequently get around town on foot.
Those factors combine to make pedestrian safety absolutely essential for drivers. The next time you’re driving in Music City, keep these tips in mind to do your part:
- Give pedestrians right-of-way
Pedestrians almost always have the right-of-way in situations where it may be unclear. If you’re unsure, wave pedestrians through and allow them to cross in front of your vehicle.
- Be on the lookout for pedestrians when they don’t have right-of-way
Pedestrians don’t always follow right-of-way laws or traffic signals. In Nashville’s denser areas, pedestrians may enter the road unexpectedly from behind parked cars or narrow alleys.
- Give pedestrians time to cross the street
Be patient when pedestrians are crossing the street, especially large groups of them. They may take longer than the crosswalk timer gives them, but you should never enter the road or intersection when pedestrians are present.
At Ponce Law, we work hard to protect everyone who uses Nashville’s streets, including pedestrians. If you or someone you love gets injured in a pedestrian accident this summer or any other time of year, we’re here to help. Contact the Nashville pedestrian accident lawyers at Ponce Law 24/7 for a free consultation.
February 16th, 2022|
Nashville is one of the most pedestrian-heavy cities in the South. Broadway, Second Avenue, Riverfront Park, 12 South, the Gulch, and Hillsboro Village are just a few areas of our great city that welcome and accommodate pedestrians. And while walking is a great way to get exercise and enjoy the sights and sounds of Music City, it isn’t always safe.
Even when you stick to sidewalks and crosswalks, you may still be at risk of serious accidents. When drivers speed or aren’t paying attention to the road, they’re much more likely to strike pedestrians. Even the smallest vehicles can seriously injure or even kill pedestrians during collisions, making it imperative for both pedestrians and drivers to stay alert, cautious, and aware of their surroundings.
Despite the fact that pedestrians are virtually helpless against vehicles, they are often blamed for accidents. Drivers can claim that a pedestrian “came out of nowhere” and their defense often works—especially if the crash occurred in an area where sidewalks and crosswalks aren’t installed. This results in pedestrians being on the hook for their own huge medical bills and years of lost wages.
At Ponce Law, we recognize how important it is for cities like ours to be pedestrian-friendly. When pedestrians are injured and denied compensation, it hurts our entire community. Our Nashville pedestrian accident lawyers work hard to help injured pedestrians get maximum compensation, and can help you, too. Contact us today for a free consultation if you were struck by a vehicle while walking in Middle Tennessee.
November 25th, 2020|
There’s no safer place for pedestrians in Music City than sidewalks and crosswalks. But too many pedestrians view these areas as impenetrable forcefields that protect them from any and all dangers. While they’re certainly safer than walking on shoulders or jaywalking, you’re still at risk, and that means you must remain vigilant.
The biggest self-inflicted risk factor that pedestrians face is distraction. Locals who enjoy walking and running may think nothing of using ear buds or even chatting on the phone while they’re out and about. Tourists may have their eyes glued to their phones while they look up directions, hail rideshares, or book reservations.
All of these activities can be dangerous when you’re walking, even if you’re on a sidewalk or crosswalk. That’s because drivers aren’t always paying attention to where they’re going or whether pedestrians are in their path. That means it’s up to you to make sure the coast is clear when you’re walking with both your eyes and ears.
Look both ways before crossing the street, even if you have a “Walk” signal. Keep checking lanes of traffic as you cross. In addition, avoid listening to music while walking, as doing so can block important traffic noise and the sounds of approaching vehicles. Finally, keep your head up and eyes pointed forward the entire time you’re walking, so that you have a better view of your surroundings.
- Cross the street at crosswalks, and look both ways before crossing, even if you have a “walk” signal.
- Make yourself as visible as possible to drivers by wearing bright and reflective clothing.
- Be aware that vehicles may enter or exit driveways or backup in parking lots.
It’s especially important to be aware of these tips if you’re out and about in some of the busier areas of Nashville, including Broadway, 2nd Ave., Midtown, 12 South, Hillsboro Village, downtown, and more. Drivers aren’t always on the lookout for pedestrians, and that makes it even more vital that you protect yourself by following as many safety precautions as possible.
In addition, remember that daylight hours are dwindling in Nashville. Daylight saving time ends on Sunday, November 1, and that means the sun can begin setting well before 5 p.m. in Middle Tennessee. Try to walk only during daylight hours, and if you must walk after dark, carry a flashlight with you.
Safety organizations, police departments, and media outlets have spent countless dollars and decades educating the public on the dangers of driving while intoxicated. The effects of alcohol make it extremely difficult for drivers to safely maneuver their vehicles and avoid putting themselves and others at risk.
But did you know that walking under the influence can also be dangerous? According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there were nearly 6,000 pedestrian deaths in the U.S. in 2017. One in three of those deaths involved a pedestrian whose blood alcohol content was at or over the legal limit of 0.08%.
Any amount of alcohol can impair fine motor skills, which affects your ability to walk in a straight line. It also affects judgment, decision-making skills, and even your ability to track moving objects. Combined, the effects of alcohol can make a simple task like crossing the street or walking on a sidewalk more dangerous for pedestrians, especially at higher levels of intoxication.
In addition, walking in public while intoxicated can put you at risk of receiving a citation or even being arrested for public intoxication. Don’t risk it, and don’t underestimate the dangers of alcohol consumption even on tasks that seem safe, such as walking home after a night out with friends. Appoint a designated driver, use public transportation, or call a rideshare vehicle to pick you up instead.
The Nashville pedestrian accident lawyers at Ponce Law have seen too many lives upended due to the dangerous effects of alcohol on people who use Middle Tennessee’s roadways. If you or someone you love was harmed by a drunk driver, we want to help. Contact us today for a free consultation.
April 15th, 2020|
For many people, getting out and enjoying the beautiful spring weather is a welcome respite from being stuck indoors all day while we wait for the COVID-19 pandemic to resolve. Whether you walk downtown, through 12 South, along the riverfront, or anywhere else in Music City, it’s important to remain focused on your safety.
While it’s true there are significantly fewer cars on the road than normal, that isn’t an excuse to engage in dangerous behaviors. You should still take the following precautions while walking:
- Stick to sidewalks—Most of Nashville’s neighborhoods are equipped with sidewalks, and they are by far the safest place for pedestrians.
- Use crosswalks—When you’re ready to cross the street, use crosswalks to do so. Even if you don’t see any vehicles approaching, it’s still important—and legally required—to use crosswalks when they’re available.
- Avoid distractions—Whether you’re walking or running, avoid the temptation to blast music on headphones, talk to friends and family on your phone, or send and receive text messages. Walking while distracted is dangerous, as walking near traffic requires full concentration.
- Watch for vehicles exiting driveways, side streets, and alleys—If you’re running or walking in neighborhoods more densely populated areas of the city, be prepared for vehicles to suddenly appear in front of you as they exit homes, businesses, and alleys.
- Walk towards traffic—Visibility is important while walking, and that includes you being able to see approaching vehicles and their drivers being able to see you. Walking towards traffic makes you more easily seen and gives you more time to react.
May 29th, 2015|
Being one of the largest metropolitan areas in Tennessee and one of the state’s largest tourist destinations, Nashville has its fair share of pedestrians. In fact, statistics show that as many as one in four Nashville residents walk to work or to events around town at least once a week.
The Nashville pedestrian accident lawyers at Ponce Law point out that we also see a high number of collisions between vehicles and people. In 2014, there were a total of almost 300 pedestrian accidents in Davidson County.
To help reduce the number of Nashville pedestrian accidents, an event is scheduled to be held at Hume-Fogg High School in downtown Nashville that will raise awareness about pedestrian safety. The event will be held in the library at 12:30 p.m. on Friday, May 29.
According to WKRN 2 News, crosswalk safety will be the main topic of discussion. The event will also feature local officials, including current city legislators as well as candidates running for local offices. Law enforcement and public works representative will also be on hand to offer their perspectives on the topic.
At Ponce Law, we recognize the risks that can come with walking busy city streets, and our Nashville personal injury lawyers would like to encourage anyone who regularly walks and is free to consider attending this event.
While Halloween can be a fun night for children, it can sometimes prove to be deadly. Data indicates that an average of 5.5 pedestrian accident fatalities are reported each year on Oct. 31. The Nashville Pedestrian Accident Lawyers with Ponce Law point out that this number is twice as high as any other night.
In an effort to prevent such accidents from occurring in the area this year, the Mt. Juliet Police Department will be ramping up its efforts on pedestrian safety. According to a story released by The Lebanon Democrat, these efforts will include a live “Tweet-Along” with patrol officers, allowing citizens to virtually ride along with law enforcement on Halloween night.
The city will begin increased volumes of patrols on Thursday, Oct. 31, from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. During that time, officers will be working to ensure motorists and pedestrians obey all traffic laws. Officers will also be distributing candy to children along the way.
The department is also offering several tips in order to keep trick-or-treaters safe, such as:
- Utilize marked crosswalks
- Look twice in both directions before crossing
- Carry a glow stick or flashlight to increase visibility
- Check all candy for signs of tampering once home