6 Factors That Contribute to Pedestrian Accidents

Every year, pedestrian accidents cost many lives and leave injured victims with emotional trauma and financial burden. In 2021, there were 7,388 pedestrian deaths in the United States.

Although several factors may cause these incidents, some key elements can often lead to serious ones. From unsafe driving to poor lighting, understanding the common issues can help pedestrians stay safe on the roads and empower them to seek legal action when necessary. If you are injured in a pedestrian accident, getting help from an experienced lawyer is essential!

In this blog post, we’ll explore six major factors associated with pedestrian accidents so that you are adequately informed if you ever need assistance from a pedestrian accident lawyer.

Distracted Walking

Just as distracted driving is the main cause of accidents, distracted walking is a growing concern. Pedestrians engrossed in their smartphones, texting, browsing, or listening to music with headphones can be oblivious to their surroundings.

This distraction can lead to ignoring traffic signals, being unaware of oncoming vehicles, or crossing roads without paying attention to traffic.

Pedestrians who cross streets outside designated crosswalks or disregard traffic signals engage in risky behavior known as jaywalking. Such actions can catch drivers off guard and lead to accidents. Additionally, pedestrians who unexpectedly dart into traffic or make unpredictable movements can pose a significant hazard to drivers.

Failure to Obey Traffic Signals

Disregarding traffic signals and signs is a significant factor contributing to pedestrian accidents. Failure to wait for the “walk” signal at crosswalks or attempt to cross intersections against red lights can expose pedestrians to severe dangers. Strict adherence to traffic rules and signals is essential to pedestrian safety. You will learn the importance of safe driving in driving school. That is why it is important to truly pay attention when first taking driving school and then apply those rules into your “must-do” mentality.

Lack of Pedestrian Infrastructure

Insufficient or poorly designed pedestrian infrastructure can significantly contribute to accidents. Inadequate sidewalks, poorly marked crosswalks, absence of pedestrian islands, and bad street lighting can make walking hazardous. Communities need well-planned infrastructure that prioritizes pedestrian safety to minimize accidents.

Speeding and Reckless Driving

Speeding and reckless driving are critical factors in pedestrian accidents. When vehicles exceed speed limits or engage in aggressive driving, they reduce the reaction time for drivers and pedestrians. This significantly increases the risk of accidents, especially in areas with high pedestrian traffic.

Intoxicated Driving and Walking

Both intoxicated driving and walking pose severe risks to pedestrians. Drunk or impaired drivers are less likely to be attentive and have slower reaction times, making them more prone to accidents involving pedestrians. Similarly, intoxicated pedestrians may lack proper judgment and coordination, leading to unsafe road behavior.

Lack of Pedestrian Education

Education and awareness play a crucial role in pedestrian safety. Lack of knowledge regarding safe pedestrian practices, understanding traffic rules, and knowing how to use pedestrian crossings can contribute to accidents. Community programs and campaigns should be conducted to educate pedestrians and drivers on best practices for road safety.

Additional Factor: Inclement Weather

Limited visibility due to adverse weather conditions, low light, or obstructed views can increase the risk of pedestrian accidents. Pedestrians may be challenging for drivers to spot, especially at night or in areas with poor street lighting. Similarly, pedestrians may not see approaching vehicles in time to avoid accidents.

Conclusion

To sum it all up, pedestrian accidents can be devastating but are preventable. It is critical for pedestrians to remember the 6 factors that can contribute to a pedestrian accident.

Follow best practices, such as wearing bright clothing when walking or running outside at night and making eye contact with drivers before crossing streets, to help reduce your risk of being injured in an accident.

Those injured due to someone else’s negligence should not hesitate to hire professional pedestrian accident lawyers to receive justice. Taking legal action could mean gaining financial compensation for medical fees, emotional damages, pain and suffering, and other expenses associated with victims’ injuries. With commuters of all types sharing the same road space, we must pay attention to keeping one another safe.