When you get into a car accident you are protected by several safety features. Your seatbelt locks into place, your airbag may deploy, and you are surrounded by a shield in the form of the metal frame of the vehicle. Pedestrians, however, are not offered any of these protections. When a person is walking and is struck by a car, any amount of force can result in serious injuries and even death. Pedestrian accidents can be caused by varying factors or a combination of some conditions. If you or someone you know was involved in a pedestrian accident, contact a Memphis auto accident lawyer today to discuss the details of your situation and acquire representation.
Where Do Pedestrian Accidents Most Commonly Occur?
A pedestrian accident can happen anywhere where both cars and pedestrians exist. However, some areas and circumstances tend to create more of a risk for pedestrians than others.
In a study done by the National Center for Health Statistics, the following information was gathered regarding pedestrian fatalities in 2022. Their data shows that most pedestrian deaths happen:
- In an urban area (84%)
- On the open road as opposed to an intersection (76%)
- In the dark or at night (74%)
- On the weekend
- When the driver or pedestrian is intoxicated
This information is important because it tells both pedestrians and drivers where and when they need to exercise the most caution on the road. While safe driving and walking should always be a priority, it is helpful to have insight regarding the most common places and times of serious accidents and deaths.
What Are Pedestrian Accidents Typically Caused By?
Pedestrian accidents can be the fault of the driver, the pedestrian, circumstances, and more. The following are some common causes.
- Distracted driving
- Distracted walking
- Speeding
- Illegal U-turns
- Failure to yield the right of way
- Jaywalking
- Intoxicated driving
- Fatigued driving
- Failure to obey the rules of the road
- Low visibility
- Bad weather
- Left-hand turns
The above are common occurrences on the road and all act as contributing factors to pedestrian accidents. It is important to identify this behavior and avoid participating in any of the above actions.
How Can I Prevent an Accident?
It is up to drivers and pedestrians to work together to prevent pedestrian accidents. There are thousands of unnecessary and avoidable injuries and deaths every year due to the above causes. Below are some ways that both drivers and pedestrians can create safer roads for all to enjoy.
Drivers:
- Obey the speed limit
- Come to a full stop at stop signs and red lights
- Yield the right of way to pedestrians
- Pay attention to the road and side of the road
- Be cautious when passing a stopped vehicle, school, or playground
- Do not text and drive or engage in distracted driving
Pedestrians:
- Do not jaywalk, use marked crosswalks
- Stay on the sidewalk
- Look both ways before crossing the street
- Wear reflective clothing at nighttime
- Do not step randomly into the road
With cooperation and care both drivers and pedestrians can work together to reduce the amount of pedestrian accidents and fatalities that occur each year.
