The Most Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents

There Are Ways to Prevent a Pedestrian Accident

During the warmer months, there are more people out and about on the streets. Many people are choosing to travel by foot, and that is creating an increase in pedestrian accidents. Vehicle crashes are the leading cause of these particular accidents, and pedestrians are 1.5 times more likely to be killed in a car crash than vehicle occupants.

Whether on Foot or in a Vehicle, Everyone Needs to Be Careful

In the United States, there are over 70,000 pedestrians injured each year by a vehicle. Drivers are responsible for keeping their vehicles and others safe on the road, including pedestrians on the sidewalks. While motorists need to stay aware of pedestrians, some accidents are the result of actions by people on foot. Everyone needs to be mindful at intersections or other roadways. Here are some of the most common reasons for pedestrian accidents.

Unmarked Crosswalks

Crosswalks are designed to keep pedestrians safe as they cross the road. Signaled crosswalks can cut the risk of injury by signaling to drivers that someone wants to cross the street. Unmarked crosswalks are a common place for pedestrians to get hit by a car, and the majority of accidents occur on busy city streets. Drivers are often not paying attention or do not see people as they cross in an unmarked space. If you have been injured in an accident, you will want to consult a personal injury attorney.

Left-Hand Turns

Signaled crosswalks are not immune to pedestrian accidents. Cars that are turning left are three times more likely to hit a pedestrian than those making a right turn. These accidents are due to the fact that the driver and pedestrian are looking in different directions when crossing or turning in the intersection. It is important that both the driver and the pedestrian are aware of their surroundings near crosswalks and intersections.

Hybrid and Quiet Cars

While electric cars may be great for the environment, they are creating a new road hazard for those on the street. Their battery-operated motors are too quiet for pedestrians on the road. These modern cars are responsible for over 40% of pedestrian accidents. Most people who are walking use their eyes and ears to detect oncoming traffic. With an electric vehicle, the motors do not make a loud rumble, and pedestrians will not hear the vehicle driving down the street. Many people are choosing to drive these electric vehicles, so you can expect to see an increase in pedestrian accidents.

Driver Distractions

Drivers that text and drive are a danger to everyone on the road, including pedestrians. People who are walking should also be aware of their surroundings as well. Electronics like music players, handheld tablets and mobile phones can take your focus away from staying alert when you are near traffic.

Limited Visibility

After the sun goes down, a driver’s visibility is limited. Over half of pedestrian accidents happen on the weekends with 70% occurring at night. Many pedestrians wear dark-colored clothing that is not easy to spot on streets with poor lighting. Prevention is the key to avoiding an accident as a pedestrian. You should wear white or light-colored clothing at night. If you want to stay safe on the sidewalks, you might consider carrying a flashlight with you.

Alcohol

Drinking is a danger for pedestrians and drivers. As stated, pedestrian accidents are known to spike during the weekends and at night. Intoxicated drivers often do not see a pedestrian, and this can cause an accident. On the other hand, a drunk pedestrian can wander into the path of a car and get injured by the vehicle.

Personal Injury Lawyers for Your Case

If you were injured by a car or involved in another type of pedestrian accident, you want to seek out the legal advice of experienced personal injury lawyers. At Rebenack Aronow & Mascolo, L.L.P, our team of personal injury attorneys can help you take the first steps to receiving compensation for your injuries. Call our office at (732) 247-3600 to schedule a consultation for your personal injury case in New Brunswick, NJ.