According to statistics from the National Highway Safety Administration (NHTSA), there has been a sharp increase in the number of pedestrian accidents over the past two years. In particular, the spike in the number of pedestrians who have been killed has been very alarming, with almost 5,000 pedestrians killed every year.
How Can Pedestrians Stay Safe?
Although becoming an accident victim is often out of our control, there are steps we can take that may help decrease the risk of being injured. A study conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found that after the sun goes down, pedestrians are at a much greater risk than they are during the daylight hours. In fact, a person walking in a non-intersection area at night has a greater chance of being hit by a vehicle than a pedestrian walking during the day in areas of busy intersections.
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Where you walk also plays a significant factor in whether or not you may be putting yourself in danger. For example, walking in areas where vehicles are allowed to travel at fast speeds greatly increases your risk of being hit. This is why pedestrians should avoid areas like this at all times, if possible.
Another factor that increases a pedestrian’s chances of being hit by a vehicle is if they have been drinking alcohol. National data reveals that almost 35 percent of pedestrians killed each year had a blood alcohol level more than .08. This is the legal limit for a person to drive because of the way alcohol can impair judgment and slow down their reaction time. However, those same physical factors also happen to a person who is intoxicated and walking.
Age can also be a factor in a pedestrian’s risk of being injured in a crash. Data from NHTSA shows that one of every five children under the age of 14 killed in motor vehicle accidents were pedestrians. Seniors over the age of 65 are also more vulnerable, accounting for almost 20 percent of all pedestrian fatalities every year.
Have You Been a Victim of a Pedestrian Accident?
If you have been injured in a pedestrian or any other type of vehicle accident caused by a negligent or reckless driver, contact a North Carolina accident attorney to find out what legal options you may have for your pain and loss. Our Carolinas personal injury firm has successfully advocated for many clients in obtaining the compensation they deserved and will use all available resources to get you the best possible outcome.