For those who enjoy walking as a form of exercise or simply find it more convenient, understanding the risks they face around moving vehicles is paramount. Pedestrians become especially vulnerable near traffic, and accidents claim many lives and lead to devastating injuries far too often.
Regrettably, negligent drivers continue to cause accidents that leave pedestrians with lifelong injuries, significant financial hardships and mental trauma. Speeding during poor visibility, driving drunk, failing to stop and using electronic devices behind the wheel all contribute to this serious problem.
Statistics on pedestrian injuries and deaths in the U.S.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that throughout 2020, roughly 104,000 pedestrians sought treatment in emergency departments due to accident injuries, according to estimates. In addition, over 7,000 pedestrians died due to incidents involving vehicles over the course of 2020.
The CDC points out that some age groups are especially vulnerable when it comes to fatal pedestrian accidents, such as those 65 and over as well as children under 15.
Risk factors associated with pedestrian accidents
The CDC highlights key risk factors that play a role in many vehicle-pedestrian collisions. For starters, 46% of deadly pedestrian accidents during 2020 involved alcohol, and many pedestrians lost their lives during the night and on urban roads. When drivers travel at faster speeds, they have a higher chance of hitting someone walking and the collision is more likely to cause serious injuries.
In the wake of a pedestrian accident, it is pivotal for victims and their loved ones to analyze the details of the incident thoroughly.
