When and Where Are Pedestrian Accidents Most Likely to Happen?

 Posted on October 11, 2021 in Pedestrian & Bicycle Accidents

October is National Pedestrian Safety Month, and public safety officials are taking this time to highlight the dangers that pedestrians face as they use the roads. Pedestrian accidents can be incredibly harmful, since a vehicle that weighs thousands of pounds can inflict serious bodily harm on a person, even if the vehicle is traveling at low speeds. In many cases, pedestrian accidents and injuries are caused by drivers who violate traffic laws or otherwise act negligently. Victims of these types of accidents can get legal help from an attorney as they seek financial compensation from a driver who struck them, ensuring that the driver will be held responsible for their actions and that the victim and their family will be able to meet their needs as they recover from their injuries.

Pedestrian Accident Statistics

Over the past 10 years, pedestrian fatalities have increased significantly. The initial analysis of data from 2020 indicates that the total number of pedestrian accident injuries decreased from the previous year. However, the amount of traffic on the roads also decreased in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and the rate of pedestrian fatalities for each mile traveled by vehicles throughout the United States actually increased by 20 percent. Studies of data from 2020 also found that:

• Pedestrian accidents are more likely to occur at night, and 75 percent of pedestrian fatalities took place after dark. This is an increasing concern in the fall and winter, especially after the end of Daylight Savings Time. Pedestrians who use the roads in the evenings face significant risks, especially if drivers fail to pay close attention to the road or drive while intoxicated by alcohol or drugs.

• Most pedestrian accidents take place at locations other than intersections. Even though it may seem that pedestrians are most likely to be struck by vehicles when crossing the street at intersections, only 25 percent of fatalities occur in these locations. 63 percent of pedestrian fatalities took place on main streets that provide local and regional traffic, while 21 percent of accidents occurred on local streets and 16 percent took place on freeways.

• People of certain races are disproportionately affected by pedestrian accidents. Statistics show that while Black people make up 12 percent of the population in the United States, they account for 21 percent of pedestrian fatalities. Hispanic people account for another 21 percent of pedestrian accidents, but they only make up 19 percent of the U.S. population.

Contact Our Palatine Pedestrian Accident Lawyers

If you have been struck by a vehicle, you may be able to hold a negligent driver liable for your damages, including the costs of medical treatment, the income you have lost while recovering from your injuries, and your pain and suffering. At Newland & Newland, LLP, we can help you take legal action to recover compensation for a pedestrian accident, and we will work with you to make sure you will have the financial resources you need to make a full recovery. Contact our Schaumburg car accident attorneys at 847-797-8000 to set up a free consultation and get help with your case.

Sources:

https://www.nhtsa.gov/pedestrian-safety/october-national-pedestrian-safety-month

https://www.ghsa.org/sites/default/files/2021-03/Ped%20Spotlight%202021%20FINAL%203.23.21.pdf

https://injuryfacts.nsc.org/motor-vehicle/road-users/pedestrians/data-details/