Walking is a great way to get out and enjoy the fresh air, increase your daily steps, and do your part for the environment. When you head out on foot, you are thinking about running your errands or getting where you need to be – not about being injured in a pedestrian accident. Unfortunately, however, dangerous – even fatal – pedestrian accidents are on the rise.
Protecting Yourself Out There
When you are on foot, you have nothing to protect you from the immense impact of an accident, and this leaves you at a distinct safety disadvantage. When walking, always make safety your top priority by adhering to all of the following safety rules:
- Follow all posted pedestrian rules and warnings
- If there is a sidewalk or pedestrian overpass, use it
- Always cross at crosswalks
- Wear comfortable shoes and clothing than incorporate bright colors for day and reflective material for night
- Avoid walking at night whenever possible
The Statistics
The Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) shares several grim statistics related to pedestrian accidents:
- In 2018, nearly 6,300 pedestrians were killed in traffic accidents in the United States.
- This number represents 17 percent of all traffic fatalities for the year.
- This is the highest percentage since 1990 and a 4.3 percent increase over 2017.
These statistics highlight exactly how prevalent and dangerous pedestrian accidents are.
Negligent Drivers
The vast majority of pedestrian accidents are caused by negligent drivers, and this negligence can come in many forms, including:
- Driver Distraction – Safe drivers devote all of their attention to the road ahead of them. When a driver allows himself or herself to be distracted by anything other than driving safely, that driver endangers everyone with whom he or she shares the road. While distractions vary, the most serious of all is smartphone usage, which is as dangerous as it is prevalent.
- Driver Impairment – Driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs is as exactly as dangerous as it sounds. Drivers who disregard this fact and get behind the wheel while impaired make our roadways far less safe for everyone who travels on them.
- Driver Exhaustion – When we are drowsy, it is far more difficult to pay close attention to the task at hand, and this certainly applies to driving. Drowsy drivers are dangerous drivers who are more likely to be involved in serious accidents.
- Driver Aggression – Aggressive drivers are among the most dangerous drivers out there. Although excessive speed is the hallmark of aggressive driving, aggressive drivers often engage in multiple dangerous actions during any given outing, such as tailgating, swerving in and out of traffic, and speeding all at the same time.
Consult with an Experienced Attorney Today
If you or a loved one has been injured – or worse – in a pedestrian accident caused by a motorist’s negligence, Brett Pritchard at The Law Office of Brett H. Pritchard in Killeen, Texas, is a formidable personal injury lawyer who is committed to zealously defending your rights in pursuit of your rightful compensation. We are here to help, so please do not hesitate to contact or call us at 254-501-4040 today.