With the summer weather in full effect, there are more people outside enjoying the outdoors. While this may be the healthier option, if you’re not closely following traffic, being a pedestrian can be extremely dangerous.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there is a pedestrian death every 88 minutes in the United States. And pedestrians are involved in nearly 13% of vehicle-related fatalities.
While drivers are ultimately responsible for controlling their vehicle, a majority of pedestrian accidents are caused by the pedestrians themselves. Many pedestrians wrongly believe they always have the right of way in California. About 90% of the incidents happen during sunny days—when there are more people outside. Additionally, age is also a factor. Seniors over 65 and children under 15 account for roughly 27% of fatalities and 34% of injuries.
Here are the 7 top causes of pedestrian accidents:
1. Left-Hand Turns
Intersections are extremely dangerous for pedestrians and cars alike. They are one of the top causes of motorcycle accidents as well. Although safer than unmarked crosswalks, signaled crosswalks aren’t immune from dangers. Pedestrians are hit 3 times more by left-hand turning cars than right-hand turning cars. This is due to both parties looking elsewhere: the driver is attempting to get through the intersection while the pedestrian is looking straight ahead trying to cross the street.
2. Improper Lane Use
Two-thirds of pedestrian accidents happen on city streets. If a bike is riding on the sidewalk, it can either strike pedestrians or force them out into the street into oncoming traffic.
3. Unmarked Crosswalks
Using a signaled crosswalk will dramatically reduce the risk of being in a pedestrian accident. While intersections are still dangerous, attempting to negotiate crossing a street outside of one dramatically increases the risk of serious injury. Drivers aren’t expecting a pedestrian to cross a street outside of a crosswalk and likely aren’t focused on someone on foot in the road.
4. Electronics
It’s very easy for pedestrians to be on their phone or other electronic device when crossing the street. It’s gone so far in Hawaii, that they created a distracted pedestrian law outlawing usage of electronic devices while crossing the street. A study showed that 8% of pedestrian accidents occurred while using an electronic device.
5. Hybrid Cars that are Quiet
Although great on gas mileage and quiet in the neighborhood, hybrids are 40% more likely to hit pedestrians than a regular gas-powered car. The risk jumps even higher—to 50%–in residential areas with lower speed limits and more frequent stops and turns.
6. Wearing Dark Clothing
Almost 50% of pedestrian accidents happen on the weekends and 70% at night. As visibility decreases, drivers have a much quicker reaction time in attempt to avoid a pedestrian. If you’re wearing reflective or bright clothing or carrying a flashlight, this will help drivers identify you well in advance of their approach.
7. Alcohol or Other Impairment
This goes hand in hand with number 6. Alcohol consumption no doubt is tied to the nights and weekends danger of pedestrian accidents. About 37% of pedestrian fatalities have blood alcohol concentrations above 0.08 percent. Intoxicated drivers are involved in roughly 13% of pedestrian accidents.
It’s important to always be aware of your surroundings whether driving or as a pedestrian. Even if a car has a red light, you never know when a driver will try to accelerate to make the light. Don’t let the negligence of another cause you injury or harm.
If you’ve been in a pedestrian accident, we can help review your case for free. We offer case evaluations at no cost. Please give us a call at (916) 619-5452. Or you can reach us online through our form or by email at info@hanecaklaw.com.
