Pedestrian Injuries
A pedestrian is a person who is traveling on or near the road on foot, in a wheelchair, skateboard, stroller and similar means of personal transportation. Injuries in a pedestrian involved accident can be very severe, many fatal. Awareness for both drivers and people using non-motorized transportation can help prevent many of these accidents and help save lives.
Facts About Pedestrian Injuries
- Over 4,000 people are killed by motor vehicles while on foot each year – this is a 23% decrease since 1995
- 70,000 people are injured by motorists annually – a number which has also decreased in the past 15 years
- 3 out of every 4 pedestrian fatalities occur in urban areas
- California, Texas, New York, and Florida make up 51% of pedestrian related fatalities in this country, but only 5% of total traffic fatalities across the nation
- 48% of pedestrian deaths happen on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday
- 70% of deaths of foot travelers happen between 4 pm and 4 am.
- Pedestrians are 1-1/2 times more likely to be killed on foot by a motor vehicle than if they were a passenger in a car during an accident
Safety as a Pedestrian
Accidents happen that are beyond the control of the pedestrian; most of the time, when a pedestrian is involved in an accident with a vehicle it’s almost always the fault of the motorist. Young children and the elderly are at the most risk for injury by a motor vehicle and therefore should be assisted and/or supervised when close to roads and traffic. People on foot should avoid restricted zones such as interstates and should use crosswalks accordingly. If a sidewalk is available, always use it; if no sidewalk is present, always travel facing traffic. To ensure that drivers can see you, wear light colors, especially at night. Always use extreme caution and never assume that a driver sees you without making eye contact and exchanging gestures before crossing in front of a car. Read more about pedestrian safety on the CDC webpage.
Written on behalf of Marks & Harrison Attorneys at Law.