A male pedestrian was sent to the St. Lucie Medical Center after a serious vehicle-pedestrian accident in St. Lucie. The man was hit by a dump truck early in the morning hours. Official report that the man is in his mid-60s and was last listed at the Medical Center in critical condition. The pedestrian-dump truck accident happened on the northbound lanes of U.S. 1 near Tiffany Avenue, according to the TC Palm.
Our St. Lucie pedestrian accident attorneys understand that pedestrians face some serious risks for accidents on our busy roadways. It is important for pedestrians everywhere to remember to be cautious when walking near traffic, especially when the traffic consists of vehicles as large as dump trucks. By following a few safe pedestrian tips, we can all do our part to help to prevent these types of devastating accidents.
Dump Truck Dangers:
-Catastrophic traffic accidents. The size and weight of these vehicles can mean accidents are deadly.
-Pedestrian fatalities. Pedestrians face little chance against these types of large trucks when they’re overlooked by a driver.
-Not only can resident pedestrians get run over by these utility vehicles, but truck employees run a significant risk of being run over or backed over as well.
-Pedestrians can get caught beneath a falling dump bed.
-These trucks can easily tip over and cause property damage, injury or death when the bed is raised.
-These trucks stand tall and run the risk of coming into contact with power lines when beds are raised.
By being cautious and alert around these types of large vehicles, we can all do our part to help reduce the risks of a potentially fatal accident. Pedestrians should never walk near these vehicles, but when you need to there are a few simple steps for you to follow.
Safety Tips for Pedestrians around Dump Trucks:
-Never walk near a dump truck.
-Stay away from active work sites.
-If you have to cross the road and a dump truck is nearby, be sure the driver sees you before stepping into the roadway.
-Never cross the street when you’re close to a dump truck. Always allow at least 10 feet between you and the dump truck.
-Steer clear of the trucks blind spots.
-Keep hold of small children when a dump truck is near.
Motorists should also be cautious of dump trucks. When traffic accidents involve these large vehicles, accidents can turn fatal in an instant. Never drive close to a dump truck. Allow these motorists with plenty of room. You also want to stay out of their blind spots. If you’re unable to see the driver, the driver is unable to see you. Drive cautiously through work zones. Don’t park close to dump trucks or work sites to avoid any accidental properly damage from loose debris or from a fender bender.
If you need help because you or someone you love has been involved in a pedestrian accident in St. Lucie, Vero Beach, Sunrise or in any of the surrounding areas, contact a personal injury attorney at Freeman, Mallard, Sharp & Gonzalez, LLC. Call 1-800-561-7777 for a free consultation with an experienced attorney today.
Additional Resources:
Man injured in St. Lucie County dump truck accident, by Keona Gardner, TC Palm
More Blog Entries:
Fatal Pedestrian Accident in Fort Lauderdale after Driver’s Car Breaks Down, South Florida Injury Lawyers Blog, January 7, 2012
Back-Over Car Accidents in Vero and Elsewhere Can Increase During Busy Holiday Season, South Florida Injury Lawyers Blog, December 6, 2011