Pedestrian traffic accidents can occur in a variety of ways. From reckless driving by drivers to hazardous walking conditions, many factors contribute to pedestrian accidents.
Some of these include:
Recklessness
While pedestrians can be at fault for not looking before crossing the road or walking out into traffic, most pedestrian accidents are caused by reckless drivers. Reckless driving is a common cause of a pedestrian accident. It is generally considered any behavior that shows a disregard for the safety of others, and it can include swerving, speeding, turning at red lights, passing stopped school buses, or going through checkpoints set up by police.
Intersections and crosswalks are familiar places for pedestrian accidents because motorists must survey the sides of the road, identify pedestrians, and determine whether there is enough space to pass them safely. In addition, speeding in areas with low-speed limits reduces a driver’s ability to react quickly if they spot a pedestrian.
Reckless driving is a severe offense that can result in a license suspension and criminal record. If a negligent motorist strikes you, a personal injury attorney can assist you in pursuing compensation for your injuries.
Hazardous Walking Conditions
When walking, pedestrians are subject to multiple distractions. These can include talking on a cellphone, texting, listening to music or other electronic devices, and reading. Walking while distracted increases the chances of a pedestrian being struck by a vehicle.
The hazardous walking conditions statute describes criteria for determining whether the roadside on which students walk to and from school is safe. Can you imagine your child or grandchild running across an intersection, dodging vehicles passing through at a rate of one every second?
These types of unsafe walking conditions cause some people, like postal carriers, garbage collectors, and parking officers, to be hit by cars at work. Unfortunately, these workers have little political clout to push for better pedestrian safety laws.
Alcohol or Drug Impaired Pedestrians
Pedestrians are very vulnerable to traffic accidents. Cars are like tanks that seem impervious to harm in a collision but can still deal with severe pedestrian injuries. This is why it’s no surprise that pedestrian deaths are up to historic levels even though total traffic deaths are down.
Distracted driving is a huge problem that affects pedestrians and drivers alike. Drivers can get distracted by their cellphone, in-car GPS units, radios, passengers, or other vehicles. They can also be distracted by alcohol and drugs that cloud their judgment, making it hard to see pedestrians crossing the street.
This reckless behavior makes it all too easy for a driver to run a red light or stop sign and hit a pedestrian. These types of accidents can be devastating to everyone involved.
Failing to Yield to Pedestrians
Pedestrian accidents are often caused by drivers failing to yield to pedestrians. This includes drivers turning at intersections or crosswalks without seeing if pedestrians are moving across the road and drivers who need to slow down in areas where they have the right of way.
Additionally, drivers may hit pedestrians while backing up in parking lots. This is because they are often distracted and need help seeing people moving in front of them as they are backing up.
Some law states that drivers are responsible for yielding the right of way to pedestrians. Failing to do so can result in expensive fines and serious long-term consequences. If a driver’s negligence causes a person to be injured or killed, that driver can be charged with vehicular manslaughter.
Poor Lighting
Whether pedestrians walk on sidewalks or cross streets, drivers risk injury if they ignore their surroundings. Distracted driving can include talking or texting on a cellphone, using the navigation system in a vehicle, adjusting the radio, air conditioner or heater, and more. A driver can also become distracted by weather or roadway conditions that cause poor visibility.
Lighting can also pose a risk for pedestrians. Dim or insufficient lighting can result from physical obstructions that block natural light sources or poorly positioned lights that cast shadows or create glare. Inadequate lighting can cause eye strain and discomfort, negatively impact productivity and mood, and lead to accidents. A personal injury lawyer can help injured pedestrians recover compensation for their injuries from negligent drivers.
