The Dangers of Being a Pedestrian

Sadly, pedestrian accidents are more common than expected. In 2020, more than 7,000 pedestrians were killed by a motor vehicle on America’s roadways. That is about one death every 75 minutes. What is the main cause of these incidents? Continue reading to find out.

The Causes

Alcohol is responsible for nearly half of all crashes that result in the death of a pedestrian. About 13% of the drivers in alcohol-related pedestrian crashes had a BAC of 0.08% or more. This level is illegal in all fifty states. About 32% of crashes resulting in pedestrian death involved a pedestrian with a BAC of 0.08% or more. Most of these deaths occur at night in urban areas or on roadways that are far from intersections where no cross walks are available and drivers are traveling at high speeds.

Keeping Yourself Safe

How you can take to keep yourself safe as a pedestrian:

• Increase your visibility when walking on or by the roadway at night by carrying a flashlight and/or wearing reflective clothing.

• Be sure to cross streets at designated crosswalks whenever possible.

• Walk on sidewalk or path instead of the road.

• If a sidewalk is not available, walk facing traffic on the shoulder of the road.

• Avoid walking if you are under the influence of drugs or alcohol as they can impair vision, judgement, and coordination.

If you or a loved one has been injured or killed in a pedestrian accident, you do not have to go through this alone. This is a life-changing event that warrants the help of an experienced personal injury attorney.