One thing you commonly see on a New Jersey winter’s day is people bundled up in a lot of clothing. This can include big scarves wrapped high around their necks, hoods pulled up over their heads and thick hats pulled down low over their ears.
While all these things can do a great job of keeping out the cold, they can be a real concern for pedestrian safety.
It’s harder for people to see each other
One of the key ways to avoid a vehicle-pedestrian collision is for both parties to constantly keep an eye out for each other. Pedestrians need to check carefully that there are no cars coming before they attempt to cross the street. Drivers need to keep a lookout ahead to spot if any pedestrians might be about to step out into the street, especially before a crossing or before turning a corner.
Winter clothing can get in the way of this for both parties. The pedestrian may not hear the vehicle approaching because their hat, hood or scarves block out the sound. A quick look to check for traffic might be ineffective if their hood blocks their vision or a scarf reduces the ease with which they can turn their head.
Drivers, too, don’t always take off their layers when they get in their vehicles. So they could also be affected in similar ways, making it more difficult for them to notice a pedestrian they need to slow or stop for.
If you are injured by a driver this winter, legal guidance can help you fight for the compensation you need.