You don’t anticipate getting hurt when you go for a walk outside, whether it’s for fitness or transportation. After all, there are things like crosswalks and traffic lights to protect pedestrians.
For most people, walking is an integral aspect of daily life. It is even advised that people walk at least 160 minutes weekly to preserve their health, and many lack vehicle access. No wonder the street is so crowded with people going to the gym, their houses, or their jobs. What if that walk becomes a nightmare? There are thousands of pedestrians hurt in car accidents every year. The driver’s and the pedestrian’s life could be altered in that split second.
What are the prevalent causes of pedestrian accidents?
There are various situations where pedestrians are at risk, including when attempting to cross a busy street or highway. While careless drivers are often to blame, pedestrians who don’t watch where they’re going can also play a role. While several factors might skew annual data, the following tend to be the leading causes of pedestrian accidents.
1. Distracted Driving and Texting
Distracted driving accounts for a significant fraction of pedestrian accidents. Distracted drivers are less likely to be aware of pedestrians crossing the road or entering and exiting vehicles.
There is no greater danger on the road than a pedestrian or driver engrossed in texting. The risk of a pedestrian not paying attention or crossing at the wrong light increases while a pedestrian is texting. Similarly, drivers distracted by their phones won’t see pedestrians crossing the street.
If several persons sustained an injury, this could cause class actions filed by the victims against a single cause of action or perpetrator.
2. Speeding
For the safety of drivers and pedestrians, speed limits are enforced. For instance, the speed limit should be reduced in areas with pedestrian traffic, such as school zones and residential districts. Those behind the wheel are liable for actions that deviate from what a sound-minded person would do in the same situation. This includes driving more slowly under adverse weather circumstances like darkness, rain, or fog.
Reputable firms like Valent Legal can represent you in court and ensure your rights are protected in all stages of litigation.
3. Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol
According to the CDC, over half of all motor accidents involving pedestrian deaths involve alcohol. Because of this, if you think alcohol contributed to your pedestrian accident, you should contact a pedestrian accident lawyer as soon as possible.
If you’ve been drinking and are worried about your ability to drive safely, you shouldn’t get behind the wheel. While 0.08% is the legal limit for drivers 21 years old and above, it’s vital to remember that everyone has a varied tolerance for alcohol.
4. Jaywalking and Use of Dark Clothing
You should always utilize a crosswalk when crossing the roadway. Unfortunately, crosswalks aren’t always readily available. Chances are, most drivers pay attention to crosswalks, yet some fail to see pedestrians jaywalking crossing the roadway. In addition, wearing dark attire in the evening can make it harder to notice.
Most pedestrian-related accidents occur at non-intersections throughout the night. Certain situations (e.g., construction, faulty signage, damaged crossing signals, etc.) can require pedestrians to cross in uncomfortable areas. Always be observant.
5. Poor Weather
A vehicle’s efficiency can be reduced on days with heavy rain or ice. Hundreds of people are hurt yearly in car accidents caused by adverse weather (21% of all incidents).
The already high risks of driving are multiplied when bad weather (such as snow, fog, wind, rain, sleet, etc.) creates environmental problems (such as snowy roads and wet pavement). Everybody, from motorists to pedestrians, must be on high alert when the weather gets bad.
