Pedestrian accidents are some of the most serious and most tragic. It is no wonder why. Pedestrians are completely exposed, without any protection that is offered to vehicle occupants. When a car or other vehicle type makes contact with a pedestrian, the results can be devastating. Pedestrians can suffer catastrophic injuries that can impact them for a lifetime. Fortunately, there are things all of us, pedestrians and drivers alike, can do to help pedestrians stay safe. Let us take a look at some of the most common causes of pedestrian accidents and how we can avoid them.
What are the Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents?
One of the biggest causes of pedestrian accidents is the failure to yield the right of way. Most often, this happens when a car is making a left or right turn without checking to see if any pedestrians are crossing the road. As the car rounds the corner, it may be too late to stop before colliding with the pedestrian.
Speeding is another leading cause of pedestrian accidents. This is particularly distressing when you consider the fact that while speeding increases the chances of a pedestrian accident occurring, it also leads to the severity of the crash exponentially increasing. The greater the speed of a vehicle, the greater the force of impact will be should the vehicle crash into a pedestrian.
Another dangerous driving behavior that is also a common cause of pedestrian accidents is driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Impaired driving means a driver is operating a vehicle with reduced judgment, slower reaction time, and an overall limited ability to safely operate a vehicle. With this in mind, it is likely no surprise that driving under the influence commonly plays a role in pedestrian accidents. It is also important to note that pedestrians being under the influence of drugs or alcohol also increases the chances of them being involved in an accident.
Distracted driving is also a common cause of pedestrian accidents. It only takes a moment for a driver to look down at his or her phone for an accident to occur. Texting, talking, eating, drinking, and other distractions play a rather frequent role in pedestrian accidents. When the driver’s attention is drawn away from the road, pedestrians are far too often the victims. Conversely, distracted pedestrians also increase the likelihood of an accident occurring. A pedestrian, like a driver, needs to be aware of his or her surroundings. Whether crossing the street or driving your car, keep your eyes on your surroundings and off of your phone.
Inclement weather can also be a significant contributing factor in pedestrian accidents. When it is raining or snowing, a driver’s ability to see becomes impaired. These types of weather conditions also lead to slippery road conditions, which means a vehicle’s ability to quickly come to a stop can be significantly reduced. Pedestrians should avoid going out in inclement weather. Furthermore, cars should do the same. If you need to go out in bad weather, lower your speed and take particular care to keep an eye on your surroundings.
Personal Injury Attorneys
If you have been injured in a pedestrian accident, the dedicated personal injury team at Dickman Law is here to help you get the compensation you are legally entitled to. We fight to enforce your legal rights while you recover from your injuries. Contact us today.
Posted in: Pedestrian Accidents