Summer Pedestrian Accidents
With summer in full swing, many people are starting to enjoy their favorite outdoor activities, from family strolls to beach days, hiking, camping, and more. While these outdoor pastimes are fun, it is important to remember that this is also the time when the number of pedestrian accidents significantly increases. So, following pedestrian safety guidelines is crucial.
Pedestrian-Vehicle Accident Statistics
According to U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration, 11% of traffic fatalities are pedestrian-vehicle accidents. Every year, about 70,000 pedestrians are injured and approximately 4,600 pedestrians are killed in such accidents. Children below the age of 15 are at a higher risk of being injured. In 2020, one in five children of that age that got killed in crashes were pedestrians. Adults aged 65 years are also at a higher risk of pedestrian-vehicle accident. In 2020, they accounted for 20% of all pedestrian deaths.
Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents
There are many reasons why pedestrian accidents occur. Following are some of the most common causes:
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- Speeding or driving too fast for conditions, particularly in crowded areas, e.g. school, etc.
- Motorists not yielding the right-of-way to pedestrians.
- Distracted driving.
Other causes of pedestrian accidents include the following:
- Design flaws in the location of crosswalks.
- Drivers turning at intersections without paying attention to the road.
How to Ensure Pedestrian Safety
Pedestrians are extremely vulnerable in a road accident because they don’t have the same protections as drivers or vehicle passengers. No seatbelts, roll bars, airbags, and crumple zones protect them. So, it is important that you take steps to ensure your safety. Here are some pedestrian safety guidelines you should follow:
- Plan a route with safe crossings.
- Always walk on a sidewalk facing traffic. In case it’s not available, then walk as far from traffic as possible on the far side of the road facing traffic.
- Wear bright colored clothing that features reflective material for increased visibility.
- Follow directions on pedestrian signals but always assume that drivers aren’t doing the same.
- Never drink and walk and avoid distractions.
- Always make eye contact with the approaching drivers.
- Watch for cars backing up, especially in parking lots and driveways.
When to Call a Pedestrian Accident Attorney?
If you or your loved one was recently in a pedestrian-vehicle accident and suffered injuries, then it is highly recommended that you call a pedestrian accident attorney as soon as possible so you can protect your legal rights. Depending on the circumstances surrounding the accident, you may have grounds for a claim against the negligent driver. Contacting a pedestrian accident attorney in a timely manner also helps ensure that you can collect valuable evidence supporting your claim before it is lost or destroyed.
Hilton & Somer, LLC: Pedestrian Accident Attorneys serving Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, D.C.
The legal team of Hilton & Somer, LLC have been protecting the rights of injured victims for many years. If you were involved in a pedestrian accident, get in touch with us for a free consultation. One of our experienced pedestrian accident attorneys will explain your legal options and create a game plan for you. We are available 24/7, so feel free to contact us at (703) 560-0700 to discuss your case.
References
https://www.cdc.gov/transportationsafety/pedestrian_safety/index.html
https://www.mtm-inc.net/providers/training/resources-summer-pedestrian-safety/
