August means the college students are back in town for the start of fall semester. For drivers, commuters, pedestrians and the students themselves, this means a general increase in traffic, and with it comes an increased risk for accidents. With that in mind, here are some tips for preventing accidents as back-to-school traffic arrives here in Auburn.
Allow Extra Travel Time
If you’re traveling anywhere close to Auburn University, especially if you’re cutting through campus or downtown, it may be a good idea to allow some extra travel time. Move-in week and the first few weeks of classes tend to bring heavier traffic to the area.
This could make what is usually a short drive into a much longer one, so making sure to leave a little extra time for traveling during this period can help prevent rushed driving and any Auburn traffic accidents that may occur as a result.
Watch for Pedestrians Everywhere
With lots of students walking to class, drivers should be mindful of pedestrians crossing the street frequently. Especially near campus or downtown, it will be important to lookout for pedestrians crossing the street at intersections and other designated crosswalks.
Fortunately, most crosswalks downtown will have signs with flashing indicators to warn when someone is crossing, but it’s still important for drivers to watch for pedestrians around downtown Auburn. This can help prevent pedestrian accidents that could result in personal injuries, leading to personal injury cases for pedestrian accidents in Auburn.
Be Aware of Increased Bike, Scooter and Motorcycle Traffic
Lots of students who don’t have a car or on-campus parking choose to use a regular or electric bike, an electric scooter or a motorcycle in order to get to campus. It’s very important for drivers to be aware of these vehicles, because one careless moment can result in a devastating accident. When these accidents occur, it’s important to find the right legal team to represent you if you’re injured in a pedestrian car accident in Auburn.
Always be sure to check your mirrors and blind spots when driving around Auburn to help prevent bike, scooter and motorcycle accidents. If you get hit, be sure to reach out to us here at Walton Law Firm, and we’ll help you take the best next steps.
Focus When You’re Driving
Distracted driving is incredibly dangerous, and unfortunately quite common here in Auburn. It’s especially crucial to be focused on the road when driving during the back-to-school traffic in Auburn. Increased traffic means that distractions like texting, scrolling, using maps or changing music are all especially dangerous.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that distracted driving continues to contribute to thousands of crashes and fatalities each year. Even a brief distraction can make it harder to react if pedestrians cross the street in front of you. Staying alert and focused while driving to limit the risk of being involved in a pedestrian accident this fall.
Know What to Do If an Accident Happens
Even when following these steps, it’s still possible for accidents to occur. In the case of an accident, it’s important to know what to do next. Here are the first steps to take:
- Move to a safe location if possible.
- Check for injuries and call 911 if needed.
- Contact law enforcement.
- Exchange information with the other driver.
- Take photographs of the scene and vehicle damage.
- Gather witness contact information.
- Seek medical attention if you’ve been injured.
- Notify your insurance company.
Walton Law Firm: Auburn’s Hometown Injury Attorneys
When the accident involves injuries or disputed liability, speaking with an experienced personal injury attorney can help you understand your legal rights.
If you or someone you know has been involved in a traffic, pedestrian or motorcycle accident in Auburn, Alabama, contact Walton Law Firm for experienced representation. Our team has been serving the Auburn area for over 30 years, and we’d be happy to help you navigate the legal process that comes after an accident.
Contact us or request a free consultation today!
