Walking is a good form of exercise, plus it helps save on gasoline. With that said, a brisk walk, particularly near a busy road, can be a life-or-death situation.
According to the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration), over 6,500 pedestrians died in crashes that occurred on public streets in 2020. Most of these accidents took place in urban areas with dark lighting conditions. In addition, these accidents mainly occurred on Saturdays.
Below are four common causes of pedestrian accidents:
Intoxicated Driving
Sadly, some people drive vehicles while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Over 55 percent of drivers who contributed to road accidents tested positive for alcohol and drugs like cocaine or cannabis.
Jaywalking
Jaywalking is when someone walks or runs into ongoing traffic. Some pedestrians do this because they’re rushing to get somewhere and don’t want to wait for traffic to halt at a red light.
Failing to adhere to traffic signs or signals
Many pedestrians get hurt because drivers unintentionally or willingly ignore traffic signs or signals. For example, a driver fails to yield the right of way to a pedestrian at a crosswalk when the “Walk” signal lights up.
Road Construction
Road construction contains mapped-off lanes, roadblocks and debris, which makes it difficult for pedestrians to walk in safe areas. Therefore, they have no choice but to risk getting hit by cars as they step into heavy traffic.
Both drivers and pedestrians can do everything possible to prevent road accidents, like obeying traffic laws, being alert and making themselves visible. However, accidents can and do still occur.
Have you recently been hit by a vehicle and suffered a severe injury? Or was a loved one killed by a driver while walking somewhere? Consider seeking experienced legal guidance to see if you qualify for personal injury compensation.