A pedestrian is anyone walking in a developed area or along a road. Walking is not only convenient, it is also the most popular form of exercise in the United States. As a result, nearly everyone is a pedestrian during some point of the day.
The Danger of Being a Pedestrian
Pedestrian safety is constantly a top concern for many government entities and nonprofits. This concern over pedestrian safety is understandable given the statistics related to pedestrian accidents:
- In 2010, there was an average of one pedestrian being injured every 8 minutes.
- There was a 4% increase in pedestrian fatalities between 2009 and 2010, and a 3% increase between 2010 and 2011.
- Nearly three-quarters of all pedestrian fatalities happen in urban areas.
- Pedestrian deaths accounted for 13% of all motor vehicle crash fatalities in 2010.
- 69,000 pedestrians were injured in traffic crashes in 2011.
- A pedestrian is 1.5 times more likely than a passenger in a vehicle to be killed by that vehicle in a car crash.
- 70.6% of all pedestrians who were killed in 2011 were males.
- In Denver alone, there was an increase of 13 more pedestrian-vehicle accidents per month between 2012 and 2013.
- 85% of all pedestrians that are hit by cars traveling at speeds of 40 mph of faster are killed.
- In 2011, 21% of minors between the ages of 10 and 15 who died in traffic accidents were pedestrians.
How Can I Stay Safe as a Pedestrian?
Although it may seem like being a pedestrian is incredibly dangerous, there are ways to limit the risk of being involved in a pedestrian accident. Only crossing at intersections and other designated crossing areas is a good start, as approximately 70% of all pedestrian fatalities in 2011 occurred at non-intersection.
Another way to avoid accidents is to avoid walking in the evening, since more than two-thirds of all pedestrian accidents resulting in fatalities happen at night.
Staying sober is also an important way of staying safe as a pedestrian, since approximately half of all pedestrians ages of 25 - 34 that were killed in 2011 had a blood alcohol concentration of at least 0.08%.
Contacting a Personal Injury Attorney
Being hit by a car while you are out walking or hitting a pedestrian while you are driving can be one of the most unnerving experiences for a person. The mental, physical, and financial ramifications of such an accident can be very difficult to handle on your own. Fortunately, a personal injury lawyer can help you deal with the inevitable litigation that is often a part of any personal injury accident.
