Walking is great for everyone, as it entails many health benefits. However, considering the increasing number of traffic accidents, people walking on streets and sidewalks are at high risk of being involved in an accident and sustaining fatal injuries.
Pedestrian safety stands as a crucial concern across the United States, where each year, thousands of individuals suffer injuries or lose their lives while navigating the roads. Despite ongoing efforts and initiatives aimed at enhancing road safety, the number of pedestrian fatalities has alarmingly surged in recent years. Therefore, it is vital to delve into the latest statistics, explore the underlying factors, and consider potential solutions.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that over 40,000 lives are tragically lost each year due to road traffic accidents in the U.S. Among these, pedestrians are particularly vulnerable. From 2013 to 2022, pedestrian death rates skyrocketed by a staggering 50%, while the overall number of traffic fatalities increased by a concerning 22.5%. In 2023, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported a tragic 7,314 pedestrian deaths resulting from traffic crashes on public roads.
Furthermore, an alarming total of approximately 9,076 pedestrians lost their lives in both traffic and non-traffic incidents that same year. A significant majority of these fatalities occurred in urban environments, where 83% of the incidents took place. Additionally, 76% of pedestrian deaths were reported on open roads, and a concerning 74% of these tragedies occurred in low-light conditions or at night.
Several interrelated factors contribute to the heightened risk of pedestrian injuries and fatalities across the nation:
Distracted Driving – Increasingly, the use of smartphones and other distractions has led to a surge in collisions, posing a severe threat to pedestrian safety.
Speeding – When drivers exceed speed limits, their reaction time is compromised, and the severity of potential accidents intensifies, greatly endangering pedestrians.
Poor Lighting and Visibility – Inadequate street lighting is a significant factor, especially at night, where many pedestrian deaths occur due to drivers’ inability to see pedestrians clearly.
Failure to Yield – A lack of adherence to right-of-way laws, particularly at crosswalks, significantly contributes to pedestrian injuries and fatalities.
Alcohol and Drug Impairment – Impaired judgment from alcohol or drugs increases the risk for both drivers and pedestrians, heightening the likelihood of accidents.
In response to the alarming rise in pedestrian fatalities, the United States has initiated a series of proactive safety measures designed to protect vulnerable road users. Among these measures are:
The Safe System Approach – This prioritizes the creation of protected walkways, safe pedestrian crossings, and the implementation of speed management policies to enhance safety. Stricter enforcement of traffic laws is being pursued to deter reckless driving behaviors that endanger pedestrians.
An array of public awareness campaigns aims to educate both pedestrians and drivers on essential safety practices, fostering a culture of shared responsibility on the roads. Gaining a deeper understanding of pedestrian injury and death statistics equips policymakers and communities with the knowledge needed to prioritize and implement effective safety improvements. By embracing evidence-based strategies, we can collectively strive toward reducing pedestrian fatalities and fostering safer streets, ensuring that all individuals can walk with confidence and security.
Some locations have been rated as more dangerous where the likelihood of getting in a traffic-related accident is high for pedestrians. About 79 percent accidents take place at non-intersections, while 73 percent occur in urban areas. Distracted driving, speeding, and driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol have been found to be the biggest contributing factors resulting in such accidents.
Another important factor is time of the day. Pedestrians are at high risk of being involved in a vehicle-pedestrian accident when it is dark. The statistics from the CDC show that 72 percent of traffic accidents involving people on foot happen on the weekends between 6p.m. and 3a.m. and on weekdays between 6p.m. and midnight.
Here are some useful safety tips for pedestrians that can considerably reduce the chance of being in a traffic accident while walking near roadways:
If you or your loved one has been injured in a pedestrian accident, you can file a personal injury claim to recover damages from the responsible party. Talk to an experienced personal injury attorney to discuss your case and get skilled legal counsel. Contact the Law Offices of Robert T. Edens, P.C. at (847) 395-2200 or online today to schedule your initial consultation.
The Law Offices of Robert T. Edens, Personal Injury and Workers' Compensation Law Office, have offices in Antioch, Waukegan, Grayslake, Woodstock and Barrington. We represent clients throughout the communities of Antioch, Waukegan, Grayslake, Barrington, Woodstock, Buffalo Grove, Deer Park, Gurnee, Lake Zurich, Round Lake, McHenry, Cary, Crystal Lake, Libertyville, Lincolnshire, Mundelein, Vernon Hills, Wheeling, North Chicago, Zion, Inverness, Palatine, Wauconda, Island Lake, Fox Lake, Barrington Hills, Spring Grove, Lake Bluff, Lakemoor, Long Grove, Lake Villa, Kildeer, Wadsworth, Indian Creek, Fox River Grove, Lindenhurst and other cities within Lake and McHenry Counties Illinois.
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