Top 5 Reasons Why Pedestrian Accidents Happen and How to Avoid Them
Walking is a great way to get exercise, reduce your carbon footprint, and experience your community. However, it also comes with risks. In the first half of 2024, over 3,300 pedestrians were killed in traffic accidents in the United States. While this was a slight decrease from the previous year, pedestrian fatalities have increased by a shocking 48% since 2014. Understanding the primary causes of pedestrian accidents and how to avoid them is crucial for ensuring your safety and the safety of others.
1. Distracted Driving: A Hazard for Everyone
Distracted driving is a leading cause of all types of accidents, and pedestrian accidents are no exception. Drivers who are texting, talking on the phone, eating, or otherwise distracted are less likely to notice a pedestrian crossing the road. Even a split second of inattention can lead to tragic outcomes. According to the CDC, over 3,000 people are killed each year in the U.S. due to distracted driving.
How to Avoid It (Drivers):
- Put your phone away: Resist the urge to text, browse social media, or make calls while driving. Use a hands-free device if you must make a call.
- Focus on the road: Avoid eating, drinking, or engaging in conversations that take your attention away from driving.
- Be aware of your surroundings: Pay attention to pedestrians, cyclists, and other vulnerable road users, especially in areas where they are likely to be present.
How to Avoid It (Pedestrians):
- Stay alert: Avoid using your phone or listening to music with headphones while walking near traffic.
- Make eye contact: Before crossing the street, make eye contact with drivers to ensure they see you.
- Be predictable: Walk in a straight line and avoid sudden movements that could confuse drivers.
2. Speeding: Reducing Reaction Time and Increasing Impact
Speeding is another major contributor to pedestrian accidents. When drivers exceed the speed limit, their reaction time is reduced, making it harder to stop when they encounter a pedestrian unexpectedly. In areas where pedestrians are common, such as near schools, parks, or downtown areas, speeding can have fatal consequences.
How to Avoid It (Drivers):
- Obey the speed limit: Always drive at or below the posted speed limit, especially in areas with high pedestrian traffic.
- Adjust to conditions: Reduce your speed in bad weather, at night, or when visibility is limited.
- Be prepared to stop: Anticipate the possibility of pedestrians crossing the road and be ready to brake quickly.
How to Avoid It (Pedestrians):
- Assess the situation: Before crossing the street, observe the speed of oncoming vehicles and make sure you have enough time to cross safely.
- Choose safe crossing points: Cross at designated crosswalks or intersections where drivers are more likely to expect pedestrians.
- Be cautious: Even if you have the right-of-way, be aware of speeding vehicles and avoid crossing if it seems unsafe.
3. Failure to Yield: Understanding Right-of-Way Laws
Many pedestrian accidents occur because drivers fail to yield the right-of-way to pedestrians, even in marked crosswalks. This can be due to a variety of factors, including distracted driving, speeding, or simply a lack of awareness of pedestrian right-of-way laws. In Texas, pedestrians generally have the right of way when they are in a marked crosswalk or crossing at an intersection with a traffic signal. However, this right is not absolute. Pedestrians must still exercise caution and ensure it is safe to cross before stepping into the street.
How to Avoid It (Drivers):
- Know the law: Familiarize yourself with pedestrian right-of-way laws in your area.
- Yield to pedestrians: Always yield to pedestrians in crosswalks, whether marked or unmarked.
- Be extra cautious: Pay extra attention to pedestrians in areas where they are likely to be present, such as school zones, parks, and residential neighborhoods.
How to Avoid It (Pedestrians):
- Use crosswalks: Whenever possible, cross the street at designated crosswalks or intersections.
- Obey traffic signals: Pay attention to walk/don’t walk signals and only cross when it is safe to do so.
- Be visible: Make sure you are visible to drivers by wearing bright clothing and using a flashlight at night.
4. Poor Visibility: A Dangerous Combination
Accidents often occur when drivers have limited visibility, particularly at night, during bad weather, or on poorly lit roads. If a driver cannot see a pedestrian, the chances of an accident increase significantly. The NHTSA reports that one of the main causes of pedestrian accidents is lack of visibility. More than 3 out of 4 pedestrian deaths happen at night.
How to Avoid It (Drivers):
- Use headlights: Always use your headlights at night and during bad weather.
- Reduce speed: Slow down when visibility is limited to give yourself more time to react.
- Be extra vigilant: Scan the road for pedestrians, especially in areas with poor lighting.
How to Avoid It (Pedestrians):
- Wear bright clothing: Wear bright or light-colored clothing during the day and reflective materials at night.
- Carry a flashlight: Use a flashlight when walking at night to make yourself more visible to drivers.
- Choose well-lit routes: Walk on streets with good lighting whenever possible.
5. Intoxication: Impaired Judgment and Coordination
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a major safety hazard for pedestrians. Intoxicated drivers have impaired judgment, coordination, and reaction time, making them more likely to cause an accident. Walking while impaired also increases your chance of being struck.
How to Avoid It (Drivers):
- Never drive under the influence: If you have been drinking or using drugs, do not drive.
- Plan ahead: If you plan to drink, designate a sober driver or use a ride-sharing service.
- Be responsible: Encourage others not to drive under the influence.
How to Avoid It (Pedestrians):
- Avoid walking while impaired: If you have been drinking or using drugs, avoid walking near traffic.
- Ask for help: If you need to get somewhere, ask a sober friend or family member for a ride.
- Stay aware: If you must walk while impaired, be extra cautious and pay close attention to your surroundings.
Additional Tips for Pedestrian Safety
- Walk on sidewalks: Whenever possible, walk on sidewalks. If there is no sidewalk, walk facing traffic and as far from traffic as possible.
- Be cautious near parked cars: Drivers may not see you when you step out from between parked vehicles. Always look for oncoming traffic before crossing.
- Avoid distractions: Don’t walk while texting or using your phone, as it’s essential to be fully aware of your surroundings when crossing streets.
- Cross streets at marked crosswalks: This reduces the likelihood of an accident and ensures you’re crossing where drivers expect you to be.
- Be prepared for the unexpected: Don’t assume vehicles will stop. Make eye contact with drivers, don’t just look at the vehicle.
What to Do After a Pedestrian Accident
If you are involved in a pedestrian accident, it is important to take the following steps:
- Call 911: Report the accident to the police and request medical assistance.
- Gather information: Exchange information with the driver, including their name, address, insurance information, and driver’s license number.
- Collect evidence: Take photos of the accident scene, including any damage to the vehicle, your injuries, and any relevant traffic signs or signals.
- Seek medical attention: Even if you don’t think you are seriously injured, it is important to see a doctor to rule out any hidden injuries.
- Contact an attorney: A personal injury attorney can help you understand your legal rights and options and can represent you in negotiations with the insurance company.
Legal Rights of Injured Pedestrians
In Texas, pedestrians who are injured due to a driver’s negligence may be entitled to compensation for their injuries, including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. If you have been injured in a pedestrian accident, it is important to contact an attorney to discuss your legal options.
Conclusion
Pedestrian accidents are a serious problem, but they are also preventable. By understanding the top 5 reasons why pedestrian accidents happen and how to avoid them, you can help to keep yourself and others safe on the road. Remember to stay alert, be aware of your surroundings, and follow all traffic laws.
Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. If you have been injured in a pedestrian accident, you should consult with an attorney to discuss your specific legal situation.