When people in motor vehicles strike pedestrians, the crash is often the result of the person in the vehicle not paying proper attention. It is sad but true that the person at fault is not the person with the most risk in this kind of situation.

However, the good news is that there are a few smart decisions you could make to help reduce your risk of getting hurt in a pedestrian crash with a motor vehicle.

Cross at marked crosswalks whenever possible

Many times, pedestrian crashes happen because drivers just don’t notice the pedestrian nearby. They are more likely to look for pedestrians at marked crosswalks and intersections. Crossing where you will be most visible is usually a good decision.

Don’t engage in behaviors that would be dangerous if you were driving

You know that texting and driving is dangerous, so why do you think it’s safe to text while crossing the street? Your distraction will make it harder for you to react in time if a driver doesn’t stop for you.

The same is true of alcohol. While it is obviously safer to walk home rather than drive home if you had too many drinks, drunk pedestrians can make bad decisions or stumble in a way that puts them at risk.

Try to be as visible as possible, especially at night, dusk and dawn

Wearing reflective gear can be a smart decision for people who walk or run on public streets frequently. Wearing bright colors is also a good idea. Making yourself more visible will make it less likely that a driver will fail to notice you in time to stop.

For pedestrians who do get hurt in crashes caused by drivers, pursuing compensation through an insurance claim or a personal injury lawsuit may be the only way to reduce the impact of a pedestrian crash on their lives.