A recent CDC report found that 1 in 6 people who died in road crashes during a twelve-month period were pedestrians. There were also more than 100,000 emergency department visits by pedestrians for non-fatal crash-related injuries during that year.
But what are some of the most common causes of pedestrian accident injuries? These unfortunate occurrences happen more often than you may think, and even a minor personal injury could have a significant effect on your daily life. Although there are many factors that can lead to a pedestrian accident, here are some of the most typical causes.
Speeding
Too many drivers still speed, and this can leave them with little time to react to a pedestrian who is crossing the road. If a driver underestimates the braking distance required when traveling at speed, this can lead to them colliding with an innocent walker.
In addition, should a pedestrian see that a car is a reasonable distance away, they may feel it is safe to step off the sidewalk. However, if that car is traveling above the speed limit, this can mean the walker is inadvertently stepping into danger.
Reducing the risk of causing injury to a pedestrian is one of the many reasons drivers should stick to the speed limit.
Careless Driving
There are countless distractions that can occur when a driver is in their vehicle. For example, they may be trying to change the radio station or attempting to eat while driving. Even talking when using a hands-free phone connection can divert a person’s attention away from focusing on the road ahead.
A careless driver might endanger pedestrians who are on the road or on the sidewalk. It’s possible this could result in injuries to adults, minors, and property. In this type of situation, you might want to seek professional advice on car accident settlements for minors as well as adults.
Alcohol and Drugs
Alcohol and drugs can severely impair a person’s ability to operate a vehicle. This can lead to a driver failing to notice a walker before a collision. In some cases, such as a hit-and-run accident, a driver may panic and leave the scene, or not even be aware they have hit a pedestrian at the time.
However, alcohol and drugs can also cause an accident if a pedestrian is under the influence. A walker may accidentally stumble onto the road, or they might erroneously think they have time to cross the road before a car could hit them.
While drivers should never operate their vehicles if they are under the influence, walkers who have been drinking should also be careful when they’re near a road.
Pedestrian Inattention
It’s possible that pedestrian inattention will become an increasingly common cause of accidents. This is because of the many kinds of modern technology people use when they are on or near a road.
For example, runners will often have music playing in their earbuds. While this may help them feel more energetic, it can also block out the noise of vehicles. Many people will also browse the internet while walking, which could result in them failing to check if it’s safe to cross the road.
As technology becomes more integrated into our lives, it’s crucial to remain aware of the dangers in a real-world environment.
Unfamiliar Environments
When a driver is familiar with the local area, they may be less likely to make careless mistakes. A pedestrian who knows the layout of sidewalks and roads may also be safer as they will know what dangers to look out for.
But, if a driver or walker is not familiar with their environment, they could be taken by surprise. This could lead to a driver hitting a pedestrian, or a walker stepping into the road when it isn’t safe to do so.
Defective Traffic Lights
Traffic lights provide order when they are working, and there can be chaos if they break down. Drivers may become impatient and drive forwards when pedestrians are crossing the road. Also, walkers may step in front of a stationary vehicle which then accelerates without warning.
If traffic lights are defective, this can significantly increase the chances of a pedestrian suffering an injury.
Bad Weather
If the weather is overcast or there is a deluge of rain, this can make it difficult for drivers to see pedestrians who are on the road. But, if the sun is bright and sitting low in the sky, this could also affect a driver’s ability to see walkers. There is also the potential issue of a car not being able to stop on icy roads in freezing temperatures.
Therefore, if the weather is gloomy, pedestrians should exercise extra caution and wear bright clothing to help drivers see them before there is an accident.
Pedestrian Accident Injuries Can Be Life Changing
It’s crucial to take appropriate steps to reduce the risk of suffering pedestrian accident injuries. Look out for drivers who are going too fast, and take extra care when crossing the road if you have any alcohol in your system. You can also stay safe by watching out for drivers that might not see you in poor weather conditions, and checking to see if traffic lights are in good working order.
These precautions can help you avoid sustaining a personal injury that could have a profound effect on your quality of life.
Before you go, be sure to take some time to read more of my informative articles.
