When a pedestrian is hit by a car, the consequences might be disastrous. Even though just about 11% of travel in America is on foot, pedestrians account for over 13% of vehicle-related deaths each year. The majority of these pedestrian deaths occur at night in urban areas in non-intersection locations.
Understanding the causes of pedestrian-automobile collisions is critical for preventing and reducing the number of pedestrian injuries, workers’ comp, and deaths each year. Among the most common causes of pedestrian accidents are:
Distracted drivers
Drivers who are texting or talking on their cell phones endanger not only pedestrians but also other drivers. Pedestrians who are distracted by digital gadgets while crossing roadways, on the other hand, are at risk of being hit by a vehicle. Bottom line: avoid using electronic devices when walking or driving in traffic!
Impaired drivers
Drivers who are intoxicated or high on drugs threaten everyone on the road, especially pedestrians. Impaired drivers who cross crosswalks against traffic signals or turn left into a swarm of pedestrians can cause pedestrian accidents. All people crossing the street at night should be cautious of inebriated drivers.
Drivers that are impatient
If a pedestrian fails to see your vehicle and proceeds to cross the street against the signal, the pedestrian still has the right of way. Impatient drivers who fail to look out for pedestrians or attempt to drive past pedestrians crossing in crosswalks cause many pedestrian accidents.
Recklessness
One of the leading causes of pedestrian accidents is carelessness on the part of both drivers and pedestrians. A driver who fails to keep an eye out for pedestrians or who fails to obey traffic regulations at crosswalks may harm pedestrians.
Inclement Weather
A slippery road may make it difficult to stop in time to allow a pedestrian to pass, while dangerous walking conditions may force a pedestrian to fall into the path of an unwary automobile. Furthermore, rain can force cars to hydroplane into crosswalks, and ice can lead cars to jump the curb.
Wearing Dark Clothes at Night
Pedestrian accidents tend to increase when the day gives way to night. If you want to go out after dark, wear white or other light-colored clothing and have a pocket flashlight to cross a road. Despite the fact that most intersections and crosswalks are illuminated by flashing lights and street lamps, automobiles have difficulties detecting people who blend in with the background darkness. At the same time, vehicles should be aware of pedestrians and expect pedestrians roaming along roadways at night.
Building a Road
Many individuals are well aware of the hassles that accompany road construction. Many people are unaware that road construction might force pedestrians to walk in locations where automobiles do not expect them to be.
Vehicles Making a Left
The existence of crossing lights does not ensure that drivers will see them. Pedestrians are constantly at danger of being struck by automobiles turning left because drivers may be distracted by negotiating crowded intersections while looking straight ahead rather than to the left.
Multi-Lane/Arterial Highways
Arterial roads can be hazardous to pedestrians. Vehicles must struggle with other drivers who change lanes, speed, make dangerous lane changes, or tailgate. Drivers, for the most part, are not paying attention to traffic signals or watching out for pedestrians.
Driving at excessive speeds
When a car is moving quickly, the driver may not have enough time to react to an approaching pedestrian. Speeding also enhances the severity of the pedestrian’s injuries.
Rolling halts
When a vehicle fails to come to a complete stop at a stop sign or traffic light, the driver may be unaware of any adjacent pedestrians.
Drivers with little experience
Drivers with less experience are less likely to know where pedestrians are likely to be present, and they are less likely to seek for and respond appropriately to pedestrians.
Inadequately installed or faulty traffic lights
Because both pedestrians and automobiles rely on traffic signals to function properly, faulty traffic lights or pedestrian signals might have disastrous consequences.
Author information: John Adams writes about Personal Injury related issues. He encourages his readers to realize the important aspects of Personal Injury and how to claim the benefits in case of injuries through legal representation. As he loves to share his insight about life experiences, he has contributed to the various online platforms in the same niche.
