Pedestrian Accident Risks

 Posted on December 00, 0000 in Pedestrian Accidents

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that since 2015, there has been a significant increase in pedestrian accidents across the nation, with a particularly sad spike in fatality numbers. Over 5,000 pedestrian deaths were recorded in the United States in 2015 alone, shining an overwhelming light on the ever-growing need for an increase in pedestrian injury prevention efforts.

When Are We Most at Risk?

Considering the fact that nearly everyone is an active pedestrian at some point throughout the course of their weekly commute, it is no surprise that pedestrian injury and fatality are ongoing problems throughout the state of Illinois and around the country on a daily basis. The more often we are exposed to pedestrian dangers, the greater our chances of experiencing an accident of some sort. While anyone can be impacted by an auto collision at any time, there are certain risk factors that increase the likelihood of a pedestrian incurring an injury while out and about:

• Walking around non-intersection locations after the sun goes down - Studies from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have proven that pedestrians who walk around non-intersection locations, particularly during nighttime hours, are at much greater risk for accident and injury than those commuting during the day, at busy intersections. This is especially true for pedestrians walking in urban areas.
• Walking while intoxicated - Just as operating a vehicle while under the influence is extremely dangerous for everyone on the road, so is walking while intoxicated. The CDC reports that 34 percent of fatal pedestrian crashes that take place involve pedestrians who have a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) level greater than or equal to .08 grams per deciliter (g/dL). When intoxicated as a pedestrian, your judgment is impaired, your reaction time is significantly slower, and there is a severe decrease in your ability to control basic motor functions.
• Walking near speeding vehicles - When walking near cars operating at higher speeds, the CDC tells us that pedestrians are more likely to be struck by a vehicle and experience more severe injuries. Add any of the above-mentioned factors to the equation, and you double or triple your chances of experiencing a vehicle-to pedestrian collision.
• Walking at certain ages - Children and older adults are especially at risk for pedestrian accident and injury. A study from a collection of NHTSA crash data revealed that one in every five children killed in a collision under the age of 14 were pedestrians, while another study showed that adults aged 65 years and older accounted for 19 percent of all pedestrian deaths in the year 2013. Those older adults also accounted for an estimated 10 percent of all pedestrians injured during the same year.

Engaging in pedestrian activity always presents a certain set of risks, but with the right amount of awareness and proper prevention efforts, you can increase your chances of staying safe and help keep those you share the roadway with out of harm’s way, as well. If you have been involved in a pedestrian accident of any kind and are concerned about your injuries, it is important to speak with a knowledgeable Lake County pedestrian accident attorney right away to inquire about your rights in a court of law. Call Salvi & Maher, LLP today at 847-662-3303 for an informative consultation.

Sources:

https://www.cdc.gov/motorvehiclesafety/pedestrian_safety/index.html

https://www.nhtsa.gov/road-safety/pedestrian-safety