You probably have heard Marc Cohn’s song “Walking in Memphis.” It is a catchy tune that mentions Elvis and many other things that are unique to Tennessee. Cohn talks about putting on his blue suede shoes and walking on the famous Beale Street. There might not be a song about walking in Knoxville, but there are plenty of things pedestrians do need to consider when they are out navigating its streets. No one ever wants to be harmed, but if you are ever injured by a motorist while you are out walking, you want every detail on your side if an injury case ever goes to court. Plus, these pedestrian safety issues may help you prevent being injured in the first place.
This cannot be proclaimed and exclaimed enough. Fashion must be put aside by pedestrians, especially joggers, in order to be seen by motorists. Two things help with visibility. The first is contrasting with the environment. Fluorescent colors are worn by hunters because they contrast with the natural environment to decrease the likelihood of being mistaken for game by other hunters. Bright colors help you to be seen by motorists in the daytime. The second thing is reflectivity. It is more than a bonus; it is a necessity for walking at night. New 3M reflective fabrics blend in with modern styles only noticeable at night.
Unfortunately, some pedestrians take the approach that it is the responsibility of motorists to see them walking and yield. People are distracted by so many things today. Some drivers may be texting, trying to look at a navigation screen, changing the radio station, or even eating or reading a newspaper! To keep yourself safe, it is your responsibility to take precautions to be aware of your own surroundings. Earbuds diminish your capacity to hear an approaching vehicle. The Pokemon Go game has proved to be so distracting to pedestrians that reports of accidents and injuries hit social media within days of the game’s release.
From your perspective on the street, it may be completely obvious that the person approaching in the motor vehicle must see you. That attitude can be a fatal mistake. The A pillars, which are the upright vehicle roof supports, on both sides of the windshield have a blind spot where drivers cannot see you approaching from the left or right side. If you are in that blind spot, you can be struck without the driver ever knowing you were there. A general rule of thumb when taking advantage of a pedestrian right of way is to make eye contact with the driver and wait for a clear signal. Otherwise, in all other circumstances, act as if the driver does not see you. Also, just because one driver sees you, it does not mean the others behind him or around him have.
These recommendations for pedestrian safety apply in all cities, towns and suburbs. Knoxville, Tennessee was founded in 1791, and it continues to thrive today. The Marble City has about 185,000 residents. At a single reporting station at Henry Street and Clinch Avenue, there were 1,427 pedestrians counted in a single day. If you find yourself walking around in Knoxville, stay alert and keep on the lookout.
