About 6,000 pedestrians were killed in traffic accidents in the United States in 2017, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). While there was a significant decrease in pedestrian accidents in 2017, there was a spike in fatal pedestrian accidents starting in 2018.
Pedestrian accidents have increased recently due to the COVID-19 pandemic The increase was attributed to drivers taking advantage of empty streets due to the lockdown. Below are additional reasons behind the increase in these types of accidents.
Improperly crossing roads
Pedestrians may be careless at times while pedestrian crosswalks and intersections. Some people may decide to cross the streets; even places with no crossroads risk their lives.
Also, they might not be happy about the traffic lights. If a pedestrian crosses the road carelessly, the motorists might have little or no time to stop, resulting in their injuries.
Pedestrian accidents because of poor vision
Several factors contribute to a driver’s low visibility of pedestrians, which in turn increases the risk of accidents. Oncoming traffic’s bright headlights, dark clothing, other roadside obstacles, and inclement weather like fog are all potential causes of a crash and bodily injuries.
Oncoming traffic’s bright headlights, dark clothing, other roadside obstacles, and inclement weather like fog are all potential causes of a crash. Anyone may be held responsible for a pedestrian accident caused by low visibility, including drivers, pedestrians, and the relevant road authorities. Therefore, it is advisable to exercise caution while crossing the road to prevent accidents.
Drug abuse
Many drugs might cause accidents if abused or used in copious quantities. There has been a rise in pedestrian fatalities due to drunk driving. Intoxicated driving is reported to be the leading cause of fatal pedestrian accidents.
Drug abuse impairs one’s ability to make accurate assessments and judgments. It is possible for a pedestrian or a motorist under the influence of drugs to cause an accident.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has reported that many drivers who drive while drunk get involved in car accidents associated with hitting pedestrians. Refraining from having any alcohol before getting behind the wheel is part of driving safely.
People playing or standing in the streets
When a pedestrian is lying or standing or playing on the road, it might be hard for the driver to notice them. In some cases, pedestrians are liable to be the leading cause of an accident. Children playing along the road are the biggest victims of car accidents from oncoming cars that have not seen them.
To be seen by motorists, roadside employees are instructed to wear reflective clothing. In addition, youngsters playing on the road might be hit by incoming traffic that has not seen them. Motorists were, therefore, cautioned against driving near schools or construction areas and to reduce their speed when driving in residential areas.
Where do pedestrian accidents often happen?
These unfortunate events are more likely to occur in certain areas than in others. The NHTSA revealed that pedestrian deaths that have been reported over the years occur in urban settings, intersections, and dark places.
Accidents involving pedestrians may occur anywhere, at any time, and with anybody. All that is required is that you take the necessary precautions. Also, report careless drivers likely to cause accidents and subsequent injuries to the traffic police or other appropriate authorities.
Those were quite interesting facts, Christy.
So many pedestrians are seen, these days, looking at their mobile/cell phones! I know as a driver I have to be constantly aware of this. It can be quite scary!
Yes, there’s a lot to look at when driving, that’s for sure!