On average, a pedestrian is killed every two hours and injured every seven minutes in traffic crashes in the U.S. In fact, over ten percent of all traffic fatalities and an estimated 3 percent of those injured in traffic crashes are pedestrians. In 2015, pedestrians were one of the few groups to experience an increase in traffic fatalities with over 5,000 deaths reported and 2016 could be the highest pedestrian accident deaths in over two decades.
Pedestrian Car Accidents at a Glance
The majority of pedestrian traffic accidents, 71%., occur at non-intersections. Many fatalities, 26%, occur between the hours of 6 p.m. and 9 p.m., largely in normal weather conditions. Recent data reflects that older Americans over the age of 65 make up 20 percent of all pedestrian fatalities and 10 percent of the injured. More than one-fifth of children ages 5 to 15 who were killed in traffic accidents were pedestrians.
Drunk Driving Pedestrian Car Accident
Alcohol involvement – for either the driver or the pedestrian – makes up nearly 50 percent of traffic crashes that result in pedestrian fatalities. Distracted driving, reckless driving, including speeding, also contribute to pedestrian car accidents.
Preventing Pedestrian Car Accidents
To protect themselves, pedestrians are encouraged to:
- use crosswalks or intersections
- wear bright clothing or reflective materials in the evening
- never assume a driver sees you – try to make eye contact with drivers as they approach
- if there is no sidewalk, walk on the shoulder facing traffic
- do not be distracted by electronic devices – be alert
Drivers should:
- look out for pedestrians everywhere, especially at night or doing inclement weather
- slowdown and be prepared to stop when turning or otherwise entering a cross walk area
- never pass vehicles stopped in a crosswalk or pass a stopped school bus
- do not drive impaired or use any electronic devices while driving
- obey traffic regulations – do not speed
- be especially careful in school zones, around school buses and in neighborhoods where children are present
Contact an Experienced Pedestrian Car Accident Attorney for Help
Taking precautions can reduce the number of injuries and fatalities attributed to pedestrian car accidents. If you or a family member is injured in a pedestrian car accident, contact the Des Moines pedestrian accident lawyers of Stoltze & Stoltze PLC for experienced and compassionate help today.
