In auto crashes, one of the worst things that can happen is for a pedestrian to get hit by a car. Pedestrians have no protection against being struck by a vehicle, which makes them particularly prone to severe injuries. Often, those injuries lead to death.
In Oklahoma City, the authorities are investigating a fatal collision that took place near the interstate, I-40, during which a pedestrian was hit and killed on the off-ramp.
There isn’t much known about this case, but something to discuss is how dangerous it can be for pedestrians to cross off-ramps and on-ramps where interstates start and stop. Often, pedestrians have to do this while walking along arterial or local streets.
In some of these places, there are stop signs, crosswalks and traffic lights that help prevent collisions with pedestrians, but not at all of them. That’s why both drivers and pedestrians need to know what to do to stay safe.
How can drivers avoid hitting pedestrians in on- or off-ramp locations?
To begin with, always remember to look before you turn onto an on-ramp, and slow down as you approach an off-ramp. When you reach the end of an off-ramp, you should slow to a stop with enough space for a pedestrian to cross, just like any intersection. That gives you an opportunity to make sure that no pedestrian is crossing and gives you more time to make adjustments and slow down if they are.
Pedestrians can also help prevent crashes by taking the time to look both ways and to cross as quickly as possible. With these tips, both drivers and pedestrians can avoid coming into contact.
