The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that within the next 24 hours, around 430 people will be taken to the emergency room for injuries sustained in a pedestrian accident. Why are so many pedestrians getting hurt? Here are some of the most common causes of pedestrian accidents:
Left-Hand Turns
Pedestrians are far more likely to get hit by a car that is turning left than by a car that is turning right. This is because the pedestrian is focused solely on walking straight through the intersection, and the driver is focused only on waiting for a break in traffic so he can make the left turn.
Violation of Traffic Signals
Drivers and pedestrians must pay close attention to traffic signals to determine when it is safe to walk or drive. If a driver fails to follow a traffic signal, he could end up hurting a pedestrian. For example, a driver who makes an illegal U-turn at an intersection could end up colliding with a pedestrian who thought it was safe to walk because there was a no U-turn sign.
Poor Visibility
Most fatal pedestrian accidents happen during the late afternoon, evening, or night hours when visibility is greatly reduced. Pedestrians should attempt to make themselves more visible by wearing reflective clothing when they know they will be walking outside after sunset.
Distracted Driving
Drivers who are talking or texting on their cell phones, eating, putting on makeup, or playing with the radio put pedestrians’ lives in danger. These drivers often do not see a pedestrian until it is too late to avoid an collision. It can be difficult to avoid these type of drivers, but not impossible. Pedestrians should always try to get a good look at the driver before crossing an intersection. If he is not looking at the road, you shouldn’t walk in front of him until you have made eye contact and confirmed that he is stopping.
Crossing Outside of an Intersection
If you are walking on the street, it’s strongly recommended that you only cross at marked intersections. Drivers expect to see pedestrians crossing at intersections, but they may not be prepared to see them crossing the street outside of an intersection. As a result, drivers may fail to spot pedestrians when they are crossing the street outside of an intersection.
Have you been injured by a negligent driver? Pedestrians may be able to recover compensation for their injuries, but first they will need to get in touch with a personal injury attorney. Don’t delay any longer—schedule a free consultation with Reisch Law Firm today by calling 303-291-0555 or filling out this online form.
