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I have frequently visited the Outer Banks, NC enjoying the summer sun and all the towns that Kitty Hawk, Kill Devil Hills and Nags Head have to offer. I am always amazed at the number of people who flood the area in the tourist season. The off season quiet streets suddenly boom with activity. The problem lies in the vacation mentality and some people engage themselves in the good time and forget about the dangers.

Highway 158 is an extremely busy road that is four lanes with a center turning lane. This highway stretches from Kitty Hawk to Nags Head on the barrier island. This area is highly congested and is full of stores such as souvenir shops, restaurants, gas stations, convenience stores and the like. I am startled at incidents where I have watched dangerous moments with a passing car making a close call with a crossing pedestrian.

The beach road that runs next to the ocean is also a dangerous crossing. Everyone who does not have a house right on the beach must cross this road to enjoy the ocean. There are yield signs and crossing areas for pedestrians and cars are supposed to stop to let the pedestrians pass safely. Unfortunately, this is not always the case.

The cause of a pedestrian/vehicle accident can be for many reasons. Drivers may be speeding, distracted by a cell phone or another person in the car, failing to yield the right of way for pedestrians or drinking and driving. These are just a few examples of negligence of motorists that could be catastrophic for pedestrians.

Imagine vacationing with a family member and they step out into a crosswalk where a motorist should yield but the driver fails to do so. These types of accidents can cause serious lifelong injuries or even death. Brain injuries or paralysis are not uncommon in a pedestrian/vehicle accident. Play it safe and watch for cars who may not be watching for you. Make sure your son or daughter knows the dangers of walking on the side of the road or crossing even in pedestrian marked areas.

About the Editors: Shapiro, Cooper, Lewis & Appleton personal injury law firm (VA-NC law offices ) edits the Virginia Beach Injuryboard, Norfolk Injuryboard, and the Northeast North Carolina Injuryboard injury law blog as a pro bono service to consumers. Lawyers licensed in: VA, NC, SC, WV, DC, KY, who handle car, truck, railroad, and medical negligence cases and more.

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