Pedestrian accidents in the U.S. numbers have been increasing for the last decade, and it seems it is only going to get worse without action. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has reported that in 2017, there were around 6,000 pedestrian fatalities and a total of over 50,000 pedestrians killed or injured in a traffic collision. According to the Governors Highway Safety Association, pedestrian accidents are on the increase. It is estimated that in 2020, the number of pedestrians killed in car crashes will be 4,000. This figure is up by more than 350% from 1975. These statistics should be alarming for both drivers and pedestrians alike. Drivers need to be more cautious when coming into contact with pedestrians, while pedestrians need to pay close attention to their surroundings.
However, if you are a pedestrian and the accident has occurred not by a fault from your side, then take your case to a Salem Oregon personal injury lawyer immediately after you give emergency treatment for your injuries. A good, knowledgeable, and experienced attorney can help you get deserving compensation from the defendant so that you don’t have to spend yourself on medical expenses.
Let us now see the most common causes of pedestrian accidents.
Top 4 Causes of Pedestrian Accidents
- Distracted driving
Distracted drivers and pedestrians are a dangerous mix. More than 9 in 10 pedestrian accidents involve a distracted driver, such as texting while driving or paying attention to other objects in their vehicle. Pedestrians should avoid walking in front of vehicles and should always use crosswalks when possible.
- Drunk driving
Driving under the influence has been a huge problem in the United States for decades. Pedestrians are often victims of drunk drivers due to their erratic driving. Drunk driving accidents happen on a regular basis and often result in serious injuries, even death. These accidents also cost a lot of money in terms of medical care, litigation, and insurance.
- Dark clothing and jaywalking
Every year thousands of people are injured in pedestrian accidents due to dark clothing and jaywalking. There is an average of 697 fatalities per year from pedestrians being struck by cars in the United States alone. Most of these accidents happen because the pedestrian was not seen by the driver who ran them over. It is important for commuters to wear bright clothing, so they are easy to see.
- Speeding
Many pedestrians are injured due to drivers speeding. One of the most common accidents is when a driver slams on their brakes and the pedestrian doesn’t see it coming and is hit. Drivers who go over the speed limit also cause accidents by stopping suddenly and not realizing how close they are to pedestrians, like in a crosswalk. Unlike other accidents that happen because of speed, this one is more unexpected and can’t be avoided.
