Maryland Car Accident Lawyer Blog

As we recently reported on our Maryland Car Accident Lawyer Blog, drivers in Washington D.C. have been ranked the worst in the nation for the second year in a row. Drivers aren't only putting other motorists at risk, but increasing the likelihood of a bicycle or a pedestrian accident in Washington D.C. as well. While many drivers are quick to judge the skills of other drivers, motorists are neglecting to focus inward to correct their own driving poor driving habits.

Our Maryland car accident attorneys recently told you about our area's ranking in the Allstate's America's Best Drivers Report; Washington D.C came in last place for the second year in a row. We're not only seeing more frequent car accidents per resident than the rest of the nation, but we're witnessing more accidents that involve a pedestrian or a bicyclist as well.

"Everybody is rude and in a hurry," said John B. Townsend II, a spokesman for auto advocacy group AAA-Mid-Atlantic.

Pedestrians and bicyclists are oftentimes overlooked in traffic on our roadways. As a matter of fact, a 75-year-old Washington resident was recently hit and killed by a county bus in an intersection accident. After the collision, the elderly man was taken to the hospital and was pronounced dead just one day later, according to Addison Independent.

The problems that many bicyclists and on-foot travelers face are that the roadways weren't designed with the idea of their safety in mind. Many of our local roadways were constructed to accommodate fast-moving and congested traffic. Without proper recognition from these drivers, pedestrians will continue to be the victims of serious motor-vehicle accident.

The five most dangerous places to driver in the United States:

189. Providence, Rhode Island

190. Newark, New Jersey

191. Glendale, California

192. Baltimore, Maryland

193. Washington D.C.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there were more than 30 deaths on District roadways, including nine pedestrian deaths in the last year for which statistics are available. Bicyclist and pedestrian deaths accounted for approximately 25 percent of all traffic fatalities that occurred from 2006 to 2010 in the District of Columbia, suburban Maryland and northern Virginia.

Bicyclists and pedestrians are urged to consider these safety tips to help prevent a serious accident on our roadways:

-Be as predictable as possible. Don't walk in areas where pedestrians aren't typically found. Always make eye contact with drivers before proceeding to cross a road.

-Never walk along highways or interstates. Walking on the shoulder in these areas is illegal.

-Don't dart out into the road from behind a parked car. Drivers may not be able to see you in time as their line of vision is obstructed in this scenario until you've stepped out onto the road.

-Don't jay walk.

-Remain visible. Make sure to wear bright and reflective clothing during the evening and early morning hours.

-Never travel on a bike or by foot along a busy roadway while intoxicated. Not only are you in danger of stumbling into the path of a motor vehicle, but you could potentially stumble, fall and injure yourself.

-When there's not a sidewalk to walk on, walk facing traffic. Bicyclists are urged to ride with the flow of traffic.

-Know your surroundings. Know where cars are and where cars are traveling around you at all times.

"This is why we do the study. It's not to chastise Washington drivers," said Debbie Pickford, spokeswoman for the Allstate Capital Region. "It's to raise awareness and say driving in this area requires a lot of caution and attention."