An Overview Of Pedestrian Accidents

Things You Have To Know About Pedestrian Accidents In Hallandale

Driver recklessness often leads to serious injuries or wrongful death. This is especially true of pedestrian accidents that occur in Hallandale and the surrounding South Florida neighborhoods. This happens despite the fact that pedestrians have the right of way at intersections.

In fact, in 2013, 4,735 pedestrians and 743 bicyclists died in auto accidents to no fault of their own. Let’s get into a little more detail about pedestrian accidents in the United States.

Pedestrian Accidents Statistics

As we saw above, more than 12 pedestrians die every day in motor vehicle crashes. As for accidents that result in injury only, 66,000 were reported in 2013 alone, This means, that one person is injured about every 8 minutes. The good thing is that pedestrian fatalities in motor vehicle accidents have been declining since 2001, along with pedestrian accidents injuries, with the exception of 2013 when they slightly increased.

Some more data:

• Reduction of pedestrian fatalities between 2001 and 2013 – 3.4%
• Reduction in pedestrian accident injuries between 2001 and 2013 – 15.4%
• The total cost of pedestrian accidents injuries for children younger than 15 – 5.2$ billion every year
• Pedestrians account for 14% of all traffic fatalities, but only 10.9% of trips

Statistics show that pedestrian accidents account for only 12% of pedestrian injuries. At the top of the list, causing 24% of accidents, is tripping on uneven/cracked sidewalks, with tripping and falling as a close second, causing 17% of injuries. Wildlife and pets involved in a pedestrian injury account for 6% of accidents, while tripping on a stone or stepping in a hole both share 5% of the blame.

NHTSA and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety made a detailed breakdown of age, gender, and location of pedestrian accidents victims:

• 69% of pedestrians killed in 2012 and 2013 were males
• Almost 75% of pedestrian accidents fatalities occur in urban areas
• More than 25% of all pedestrian deaths occurred between 6 P.M. and 9 P.M.
• The average age of pedestrian fatalities in 2012 and 2013 was 46, while the average age of pedestrians that were only injured was 36
• More than one third of pedestrians killed in auto accidents, along ith15% of the drivers involved in them, had blood alcohol concentration of 0.08 g/dL or higher
• The leading states with the most pedestrian fatalities are California with 701, Florida with 501, and Texas with 480

Pedestrian Accidents While Texting

Texting while walking might not sound very dangerous, but actually it is. It is dangerous for both the pedestrian and for the other drivers on the road. Whether bumping into walls, falling down stairs, tripping over cracks or stepping unconsciously into traffic, a number of pedestrian accidents are caused by distracted walking.

Tens of thousands of pedestrians are treated in emergency rooms across the U.S. every year. An estimated 10% of them result from accidents involving mobile phones. Of course, that number could be even higher, due to patients who might be too embarrassed to admit they got injured while texting.

Pedestrian Accidents On College Campuses

Everyone is walking at college campuses. Some probably even running, because they are late for a class on the other side of the University. And since all the students have their minds wrapped around their studies and exams, they could possible become involved in a pedestrian accident, because they are not paying as much attention as they should be. Such accidents remain a major cause of injuries and fatalities that involve college students in Florida and the other states. There are no rough statistics about pedestrian accidents on college campuses, but students are getting warned to be more aware when walking.

Pedestrian Accidents At Night

As we saw above, 25% of the pedestrian accidents that result in fatalities occur between 6 P.M. and 9 P.M. if we stretch this window to 5 P.M. and 11 P.M. statistics now show us that 67% of fatal pedestrian crashes peak in that 6 hour window. And it is logical. At night, the visibility is reduced and when this factor is combined with either excessive speeding or alcohol consumption, the results can be catastrophic.

And if there is rain, snow or fog, things get even worse. This is the situation when most pedestrian accidents occur and so all pedestrians should be extremely cautious and aware of their surroundings.

Common Causes Of Pedestrian Accidents And The Injuries That Follow

Pedestrians in South Florida have rights which should always be considered by motorists. For instance, a driver is required to stop for pedestrians at all crosswalk areas whether they are marked or not. Drivers however fail to observe this rule for various reasons.

Driving at high speeds is one of the most common causes of pedestrian accidents. Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs may also cause these accidents. Pedestrian accidents are also the result of poor light conditions which prevent the driver from seeing clearly while driving.

Though these factors are the common causes of pedestrian accidents, a lot of drivers will try to blame the incident on the pedestrian so they can avoid legal responsibility. Victims of these accidents may suffer economic hardships such as paying for medical expenses and lost wages. Injured parties may suffer from brain damage, leg injuries, serious head trauma, paraplegia, amputations, neck and back injuries, or psychological distress.

Avoiding Pedestrian Accidents

Here are some tips that will help both drivers and pedestrians avoid accidents.

Let’s start with the tips for drivers:

• Avoid mobile phone usage
• Check mirrors at least several times, look left and right, and then proceed to backing out of driveways and parking lot spaces
• Keep your windshield clear of dirt and debris
• Always driver at a safe speed and at a safe distance
• Always signal every maneuver you are about to make and make sure it is safe before you execute it

Tips for pedestrians:

• Always look both ways, even if it is a one-way street
• Pay close attention to stoplights and painted signs on the street
• Be very aware when crossing the street and look around constantly for possible speeding drivers
• Don’t walk alone if you are intoxicated
• If you are walking at night, either carry a flashlight or wear reflective clothing
• Always use sidewalks when possible

Dealing with Pedestrian Accidents

For many years, our firm has successfully represented those who were hurt, injured and have suffered from auto accidents. We have expertise in investigating cases and realize that many drivers fail to acknowledge basic traffic rules. Our personal injury lawyers initiate comprehensive accident investigations with the help of our investigators to identify the person who was liable for the accident.