Pedestrians are the most vulnerable road users, and pedestrian accidents happen more often than you may think. In fact, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), over 15% of all traffic-related deaths involve pedestrians. The causes of pedestrian accidents vary widely; however, they can often be prevented with safe driving and good judgment.
1) Pedestrian Not Being Visible
Drivers should be aware of their surroundings at all times, especially when it is dark outside. Drivers who fail to do so can easily run into pedestrians in crosswalks, or not see them until it's too late.
Pedestrians should always look both ways before crossing the road
If you’re walking at night, you should wear bright clothing at night
Pedestrians should avoid wearing headphones or talking on their phone while walking
Avoid jaywalking at all times!
2) Not Seeing The Vehicle
Foot traffic can be unpredictable, and if a pedestrian is looking down at their phone or misjudges how much time they have to cross, it can lead to an accident. Pedestrians have the right of way in most cases, but they must also exercise caution when crossing streets and intersections. Also, pedestrians should always look up and around when crossing the street so that they don’t get hit by any vehicles coming their way (or vice versa).
3) Distracted Driving
As you can imagine, distracted driving is a common cause of pedestrian accidents. Drivers on a cell phone are more likely to miss seeing someone crossing the street. Texting and talking on your phone while driving is illegal in many states, but it's still very common. Using your smartphone while stopped at a red light, stop sign, or yield sign can also be dangerous; this includes using voice commands like Siri or Google Assistant to send messages while stopped at an intersection.
If you're going to talk on your cell phone as you drive around town, make sure that you pull over first so that other drivers won't have to worry about being hit by yours!
4) Reckless Driving
Speeding, running red lights, or not yielding the right of way are all considered reckless driving. Reckless driving is defined as driving that is considered to be dangerous and careless. Pedestrian accidents can also be caused by pedestrians who are not paying attention to their surroundings or crossing the street at an unsafe time.
5) Driving Under the Influence
Over one-third of pedestrian deaths were attributed to alcohol use by either the driver or the pedestrian. Alcohol is a common factor in many accidents involving pedestrians and automobiles. If you're walking alone at night after a few drinks, you may be putting yourself at higher risk of being involved in an accident with another vehicle.
Pedestrians who are drinking are more likely to be inattentive or unaware of their surroundings because they are distracted by their own thoughts and activities (instead of focusing on what's happening around them). They may also become less aware of their ability level when they have consumed too much alcohol; this can lead them into risky situations like crossing streets while drunk or driving while intoxicated.
Never drive drunk or distracted - this includes speeding and running red lights/stop signs. Also remember that the speed limit might not apply to you because of factors such as weather conditions (rain), traffic density (rush hour), etc. If something happens unexpectedly like car trouble then slow down immediately so that no one gets hurt from a collision between your car and another vehicle!
6) Foggy Weather
In foggy conditions, visibility is often poor, which can make it more difficult for drivers to spot pedestrians. This can be a particular problem in urban areas where there may be many buildings and other objects that obscure the view of pedestrians and other vehicles on the road. Fog also makes it more difficult for drivers to tell if traffic lights are red or green.
Involved in an accident? Contact JDL Law Today!
Pedestrian accidents are all too common, and many people don't realize how easy it is to be involved in one. If looking to avoid a pedestrian accident in the future, then your best bet is to follow these tips. However, if you find yourself involved in an accident, call us today at 210-997-2929.