It’s a cool brisk afternoon and a stroll around the neighborhood is the perfect way to unwind from your long work day. You walk down the sidewalk shedding the worries of the day humming to the music thumping in your ears. The air caresses your face and the crunching of leaves surround you with every step you take. The screech of tires jolts you back to reality and the honking sound of the car horn blasts through the sound of wind and trees. You jump back, clutch your chest as your heart hammers against your hand. You are brought back to reality and the realization at how close you came to getting hit.
Pedestrian Traffic Collisions
Pedestrians are killed, on average, every 2 hours and are injured every 8 minutes in traffic crashes, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
- Pedestrian deaths also account for 14 percent of all traffic fatalities and one – fifth of pedestrians killed involved a hit and run driver.
- More pedestrian fatalities occurred at non-intersections (72%) than at intersections (18%); five percent occurred at roadsides/ shoulders, and the remaining 5% were at other locations such as parking lanes/zones, bicycle lanes, sidewalks, medians/ crossing islands, driveway accesses, shared-use paths/trails, non-traffic way areas, and other sites.
- More occurred in the dark (74%) than in daylight (23%), dawn (2%), and dusk (2%).
Important Safety Reminders
For Pedestrians:
- Walk on a sidewalk or path when one is available.
- If no sidewalk or path is available, walk on the shoulder, facing traffic Stay alert; don’t be distracted by electronic devices, including smart phones, MP3 players, and other devices that take your eyes (and ears) off the road.
- Be cautious night and day when sharing the road with vehicles. Never assume a driver sees you (he or she could be distracted, under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs, or just not see you). Make eye contact with drivers as they approach.
- Be predictable. Cross streets at crosswalks or intersections when possible. This is where drivers expect pedestrians.
- If a crosswalk or intersection is not available, locate a well-lit area, wait for a gap in traffic that allows you enough time to cross safely, and continue to watch for traffic as you cross.
- Be visible. Wear bright clothing during the day, and wear reflective materials or use a flashlight at night.
- Avoid alcohol and drugs when walking; they impair your judgment and coordination.
For Drivers:
- Look for pedestrians everywhere. Pedestrians may not be walking where they should be or may be hard to see— especially in poor lit conditions, including dusk/dawn/night and poor weather.
- Always stop for pedestrians in the crosswalk or where pedestrian crosswalk signs are posted.
- Never pass vehicles stopped at a crosswalk. They may be stopped to allow pedestrians to cross the street.
- Slowdown and look for pedestrians. Be prepared to stop when turning or otherwise entering a crosswalk.
- Never drive under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.
- Follow the speed limit; slow down around pedestrians.
- Stay focused and slow down where children may be present, like school zones and neighborhoods.
— NHTSA’s Safety Countermeasures Division
Were You a Victim of a Pedestrian Accident? Call 1-855-887-8700 TODAY!
If you or a family member were a victim of a pedestrian accident, do not hesitate to speak to one of our experienced auto accident and personal injury attorneys at Makkabi Law Group, APC. We can get you connected with an auto accident attorney who will protect your rights, help replace any lost or damaged property as a result of your accident and ensure you receive the maximum compensation. Call 1-855-887-8700 TODAY and take the first step towards achieving medical treatment and compensation.
