Emergency physicians are saddened at the thousands of patients they see injured every year by pedestrian accidents. Statistics show that a pedestrian is killed every two minutes in the United States, and one is injured every eight minutes. A pedestrian is far more likely to come away from a collision with a motor vehicle significantly worse off than the passengers inside the automobile.

Alcohol involvement, a common cause of motor vehicle accidents, is the cause of more than 50% of all pedestrian deaths; in 33% of these fatalities the pedestrian, not the driver, was intoxicated.

Pedestrians of all ages are at risk for pedestrian injury or death, although children under 15 years old and the elderly over age 65 account for large percentage of pedestrian victims. Certain times of day and days of the year are more dangerous for pedestrians; New Year's Day has the highest pedestrian fatality rate and Halloween is the most dangerous night for child pedestrians. Overall, most pedestrian deaths occur between Friday night and Sunday night, while 38% of young pedestrian deaths occur on weekdays between 3 and 7 p.m.

Pedestrians need to take charge and not rely on motor vehicles to maintain their safety on the road. Pedestrians can help to prevent accidents by following basic safety rules and walking defensively at all times, especially at intersections or when crossing the road.

First and foremost, pedestrians should be predictable to avoid surprising drivers who may not be able to maneuver to avoid hitting them. Do not walk on freeways or zones restricted to pedestrians and stay on sidewalks whenever they are provided. Only enter or cross streets at legally designated areas such as intersections with lights and crosswalks.

Become familiar with and obey all traffic safety laws and only cross on the green light, failure to do so could result in a pedestrian being held negligent in causing an accident.

If you must walk in an area where no sidewalks are available, walk on the side facing traffic; stand still instead of walking while cars pass you when there is no road shoulder.

Stay alert when crossing the street: do not text, speak on the cell phone or use PDAs or headsets.

Dress to be seen when walking or jogging on the road. Wear light or bright colors, use retro-reflective materials or reflective vests and carry a flashlight or wear a glow-necklace when walking in dark areas.

Walk defensively. Drivers are often distracted - it is imperative that pedestrians realize this. Do your best to make eye contact with the driver of any vehicle before stepping into their path.

Avoid walking or jogging while under the influence of alcohol or other drugs, including over-the-counter pain killers. Walking under the influence can be as dangerous, if not more dangerous than driving under the influence.

Find out more about your rights as a pedestrian by contacting an accident lawyer.