Many pedestrian collisions are the result of negligence. They involve drunk drivers or people paying more attention to their phones than the road. Pedestrians can protect themselves by crossing at marked locations, following traffic lights and staying aware of traffic conditions at all times.
However, some pedestrian crashes are the result of drivers failing to properly maintain their vehicles. Pedestrians may not necessarily know which vehicles are less safe because of deferred maintenance, which limits their ability to predict and avoid incidents with vehicles.
How does maintenance affect pedestrian safety?
There are multiple vehicle systems that are critical for pedestrian safety. Turn signals allow pedestrians at intersections to predict what drivers intend to do. Burned-out turn signals may lead to pedestrians crossing when they probably shouldn’t have. Failing brake pads can also be a concern, as drivers may not be able to stop quickly and completely when a pedestrian is ahead of them.
Finally, backup cameras can be costly to repair, but their use has implications for pedestrian safety. The use of backup cameras can reduce the likelihood of a pedestrian crash. Drivers can see pedestrians behind them in those approaching the vehicle as they back out of a parking space or onto the road.
However, drivers may become overly reliant on this technology, meaning they do not adequately monitor their surroundings when backing out of a parking spot or onto the road. Pedestrians can sustain broken bones, brain injuries and a host of other serious injuries because a driver didn’t want to pay to repair or replace the camera in the rear of their vehicle.
When vehicle issues are the underlying cause of a pedestrian crash, the driver may still be liable. Examining collision details with a legal professional can help injured pedestrians or their surviving family members determine what options they have for seeking justice.