Pedestrians Killed or Injured in Traffic Accidents: What Causes Them?
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration the U.S. saw nearly 6,000 pedestrian deaths caused by traffic accidents in 2017. That is about one death every 88 minutes.
Common Causes of Pedestrians Killed or Injured in Traffic Accidents:
- Distracted Driving – Drivers of passenger vehicles are distracted more than half of the time, increasing their chance of crashing by double.
- Distracted Pedestrian – When a pedestrian jaywalks, darts in front of a car, is texting while walking, interrupts the usual flow of traffic, or does not wear luminous gear at night, he or she is more likely to be involved in an accident.
- Inebriated Drivers and Pedestrians – Nearly three-quarters of pedestrian deaths after dark were caused by inebriated pedestrians. With motorists, 15 percent were inebriated.
- Speeding – The chance of a pedestrian being hit by an automobile increases as vehicle speed rises.
How Can Pedestrians Avoid Injury/Death by Motorists?
- Make use of the sidewalks
- Know and follow safety guidelines (for example, if a “don’t walk” indicator blinks when halfway across an intersection, keep walking)
- Only cross at a crosswalk or junction
- Before you step off the curb, check both directions for traffic
- Make sure you are properly visible by traffic
- Keep watch of children and explain to them the safety regulations
How Can Motorists Avoid Pedestrian Accidents?
- Be vigilant for pedestrians
- When driving in difficult-to-see situations, such as at night or in severe weather, use extra caution
- When turning or approaching a crossing, be prepared to come to a complete stop
- In crosswalks, give way to pedestrians. Allow other cars to view crossing pedestrians by stopping a safe distance away from the crosswalk.
- Do not pass automobiles stopped at a crosswalks
- Don’t drive when inebriated or under the influence of drugs.
- Stick to the speed limit, especially in school zones and where children are present
- When backing up, use your mirrors and fully turn around to look behind you to check for pedestrians
If you have been injured through no fault of your own in a pedestrian or traffic accident, please contact Goldberg Persky & White at 412-471-3980 or fill out our contact form, and one of our attorneys will assess your case for free.
