- August 8, 2018
- Pedestrian Accidents
- Personal Injury
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), approximately 5,000 individuals die in traffic-related pedestrian accidents each year, several of which are caused by car crashes. In 2015, however, the number of pedestrian deaths jumped to 5,376, and 129,000 pedestrians visited emergency rooms for medical attention. Despite the fact that the total number of traffic fatalities has slowly been declining in the past decade, the percentage of fatal traffic accidents involving pedestrians has remained steady. In 2004, 11% of all traffic fatalities involved pedestrians, whereas 14% involved pedestrians by 2013.Pedestrian traffic accidents are extremely dangerous and often deadly, which is why it is crucial for all pedestrians and drivers to understand what’s at risk. In order to stay safe and prevent a pedestrian accident, make sure you know how these crashes are commonly caused and find out what you can do to avoid them.
Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents
Most pedestrian accidents are caused by traffic incidents involving cars, trucks, motorcycles, and other vehicles. Unfortunately, in these types of collisions, the pedestrians are 1.5 times more likely to be killed than the passenger vehicle occupants. That being said, almost half of all pedestrian accidents, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, involve alcohol consumption by either the pedestrian or the driver. For this reason, both drivers and pedestrians should be extremely responsible and cautious while on the road.
Some of the common reasons for pedestrian accidents include:
- Drunk driving
- Distracted driving (including cell phone use and texting)
- Reckless driving
- Failure to yield to pedestrian right of way at crosswalks
- Failure to abide by traffic laws
- Bad weather leading to poor visibility or hazardous roads
- Other road hazards
Who Is At Risk?
Anyone walking on or near a roadway is at risk for a pedestrian accident, but some individuals face a higher chance of injury than others. According to statistics collected by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, most pedestrians involved in fatal crashes are at least 65 years of age. However, data from 2015 showed that 1 in every 5 children under 15 years of age who were killed were pedestrians. Even though children and elderly adults face higher risks of being killed in pedestrian accidents, however, everyone who walks near a roadway or uses a crosswalk should be extra vigilant.
If you or someone you love was injured in a pedestrian car accident, our firm can help. Contact Goodman Acker P.C. today to get started on your Detroit personal injury case.