Pedestrian accidents are accidents that involve a vehicle, such as a car, truck, or bus, and a pedestrian. These accidents can occur anywhere and can have devastating consequences for the victim, as well as the driver of the vehicle. If a pedestrian is hit by a car or other vehicle and injured, then having a personal injury lawyer file a claim can help them recover from their injuries.
Pedestrian accidents are a major public safety concern, and are one of the leading causes of injury and death in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 8,000 pedestrians were killed in 2017, accounting for 16% of all traffic-related fatalities. Additionally, pedestrian accidents are on the rise, with the number of fatalities increasing by 35% from 2007 to 2017.
There are a number of factors that contribute to pedestrian accidents. One of the most common is driver inattention, as distracted drivers may fail to yield to pedestrians or fail to observe posted speed limits. Impaired driving is also a significant problem, with alcohol or drugs contributing to a high percentage of pedestrian fatalities. Additionally, poor visibility due to darkness or adverse weather conditions can result in collisions with pedestrians.
In order to reduce the risk of pedestrian accidents, both drivers and pedestrians should take certain precautions. Drivers should always be alert and follow posted speed limits, especially in areas where pedestrians are likely to be present. They should also be aware of their surroundings, and be prepared to yield to pedestrians in crosswalks or when approaching intersections. Pedestrians should also take precautions to protect themselves, such as making eye contact with drivers and wearing bright clothing to increase visibility.
In addition to taking personal precautions, there are also measures that can be taken to make the roads safer for pedestrians. These include installing sidewalks, crosswalks, and other infrastructure that can help pedestrians safely cross the street. Additionally, installing speed bumps, traffic calming measures, and enforcing speed limits can help reduce the risk of pedestrian accidents.
Overall, pedestrian accidents can have serious consequences for both drivers and pedestrians. Taking certain precautions, such as wearing bright clothing and making eye contact with drivers, can help reduce the risk of pedestrian accidents. Additionally, installing sidewalks, crosswalks, and other infrastructure, as well as enforcing speed limits, can help make roads safer for pedestrians.