Fall in Southern California may not bring snow-covered streets or freezing temperatures, but one seasonal change affects everyone on the road.

It gets darker earlier.

That means evening commutes, after-school activities, trips to the grocery store, dog walks, exercise, and neighborhood activities increasingly take place in lower-light conditions.

For drivers and people on foot, pedestrian visibility becomes especially important.

A driver may have only seconds to recognize someone entering a crosswalk or walking near the roadway.

A pedestrian may see headlights approaching and assume the driver sees them too.

That assumption can be dangerous.

Whether you are behind the wheel or traveling on foot, fall is a good time to remember one simple rule:

Seeing someone and being seen by someone are not always the same thing.

Our earlier posts cover pedestrian safety in California and fall driving safety, including how shorter days affect drivers. This one is about pedestrian visibility after dark, from both sides of the windshield.

Drivers Need to Actively Look for Pedestrians

Drivers should not wait until a pedestrian is directly in front of the vehicle before noticing them.

Pedestrian awareness begins before reaching the crosswalk.

When approaching intersections, drivers should scan:

  • Left
  • Right
  • Ahead
  • Sidewalks
  • Corners
  • Driveways
  • Areas between parked vehicles

Pay particular attention when making turns.

A driver may be focused on finding an opening in vehicle traffic and fail to notice a pedestrian entering the crossing area.

Before turning, take another look.

That extra second could prevent a serious collision.

Pedestrian Visibility: Never Assume a Driver Sees You

Having the right of way does not make a pedestrian physically protected from a vehicle.

Pedestrians should remain alert even when crossing where they are legally permitted to do so.

California law says the same thing. Vehicle Code section 21950 requires drivers to yield to pedestrians in marked crosswalks and in unmarked crosswalks at intersections, and to slow down or take other action as needed to keep them safe. It also states that the rule does not relieve a pedestrian of the duty to use due care for their own safety.

Whenever possible:

  • Cross at appropriate locations
  • Follow pedestrian signals
  • Look in both directions
  • Watch for turning vehicles
  • Avoid unexpectedly entering traffic
  • Stay aware of driveways and parking-lot entrances
  • Avoid becoming completely distracted by your phone
  • Make yourself easier to see in low-light conditions

When approaching a vehicle, look for signs that the driver has actually recognized your presence.

Never assume eye contact has occurred simply because you can see the vehicle.

Children Require Extra Attention

Children can be particularly vulnerable pedestrians.

They may misjudge the speed of an approaching vehicle.

They may become distracted while talking with friends.

They may unexpectedly enter a roadway while playing.

Their smaller size can also reduce pedestrian visibility, making them more difficult for drivers to see around parked vehicles, landscaping, or other visual obstructions.

Drivers should be especially cautious near:

  • Schools
  • Parks
  • Playgrounds
  • Residential neighborhoods
  • Bus stops
  • Community events
  • Shopping centers

Parents should also regularly remind children that a crosswalk is not an invisible shield.

Look first.

Wait when necessary.

Stay alert until safely across.

Parking Lots Deserve Attention Too

Pedestrian accidents do not only happen on major streets.

Parking lots combine moving vehicles and pedestrians in a relatively small area.

Drivers may be:

  • Backing out.
  • Searching for parking.
  • Looking at navigation.
  • Watching for another vehicle.
  • Loading passengers.

Pedestrians may be walking behind vehicles at the same time.

When backing out, use mirrors and available technology, but do not rely exclusively on a backup camera.

Physically check the surrounding area.

Pedestrians should also watch for brake lights, reverse lights, running engines, and vehicles beginning to move.

What Should You Do After a Pedestrian Accident?

If a pedestrian is struck by a vehicle, the first priority should be safety and appropriate medical attention.

Depending on the circumstances, important information may include:

  • Driver and vehicle information
  • Insurance information
  • Witness contact information
  • Photographs of the location
  • Photographs of the vehicle
  • Traffic signs and signals
  • Crosswalk markings
  • Nearby surveillance cameras
  • Police information
  • Medical records

If the collision occurred near a business, home, intersection, parking structure, or shopping center, cameras may have captured what happened.

Potential video evidence may not necessarily be retained indefinitely.

Preserving evidence early can become important when there is a disagreement about how the collision occurred.

Pedestrian Injuries Can Be Serious

A pedestrian has virtually no physical protection when struck by a motor vehicle.

Even a collision that occurs at a relatively low speed can potentially result in significant injuries.

Depending on the accident, injuries may involve:

  • Head
  • Neck
  • Back
  • Hips
  • Knees
  • Legs
  • Shoulders
  • Arms
  • Multiple areas of the body

Some injuries may require emergency treatment, hospitalization, surgery, rehabilitation, or extended time away from work or school.

For families, the effects can extend far beyond the accident scene.

One Extra Look Can Make a Difference

Pedestrian safety is a shared responsibility.

Drivers need to slow down and actively look for people outside their vehicles.

Pedestrians need to remain alert and avoid assuming they have been seen.

Parents need to teach children safe walking habits.

Communities need to encourage responsible behavior around schools, parks, neighborhoods, and busy intersections.

At Khashan Law Firm, we would much rather see an accident prevented than meet a family after someone has been seriously injured.

This fall, remember:

Slow down. Look twice. Stay visible. Stay alert.

Pedestrian accidents can result in serious injuries and difficult questions about insurance, medical expenses, lost income, and responsibility.

If you or someone you love has been injured as a pedestrian because of another person’s potential negligence, contact Khashan Law Firm for a FREE consultation. Our personal injury team can review what happened and help you understand your options.

Khashan Law Firm proudly serves Ontario, Murrieta, Rancho Cucamonga, Temecula, the Inland Empire, Southern California, and clients throughout California. Hablamos EspaƱol. Call us today at (866) 34-INJURED