Pedestrians can either walk on the road or on sidewalks. Most pedestrians are incredibly careful in traffic because they don’t want to contribute to collision statistics. Unfortunately, their safety is not entirely in their own control.
Motorists are frequently to blame for collisions that cost pedestrians their lives. There has been a noticeable increase in motor vehicle collisions overall in the last few years. Pedestrian collisions, in particular, are increasing in frequency at an alarming rate.
Crash statistics paint a grim picture
The federal government has tracked various types of collisions and fatalities for decades. Doing so can provide crucial insight into public safety trends and what policies may be necessary for the protection of the average individual. Sadly, the data gathered by the federal government indicates that pedestrians have a startlingly high risk of a deadly crash when compared with years past.
In 2022, the most recent year with the federal analysis available, there were at least 7,500 pedestrian deaths across the United States. The final figure is likely higher than that because Oklahoma did not provide data in time for the analysis.
How can pedestrians stay safe?
A noticeable increase in unsafe driving habits combined with an ongoing trend that sees more large vehicles on the road make it a very dangerous time for pedestrians to be out on public streets. Their chances of experiencing a life-altering crash are higher than ever.
People in larger vehicles may have a harder time recognizing pedestrians in traffic due to blind spots. They may also feel overconfident about their own safety, which can compromise how vigilant they are in traffic. Pedestrians may want to be particularly careful in parking lots, as they see a large number of pedestrian crashes each year. They may also want to attempt to cross at visible and marked locations.
Operating under the assumption that drivers might fail to notice them could lead to improved overall safety in traffic. If a crash does occur, pedestrians can potentially seek compensation from the driver at fault. If a pedestrian collision proves fatal, the surviving family members of the deceased individual may want to pursue a wrongful death lawsuit.
Understanding that the likelihood of deadly motor vehicle collisions has increased in recent years may be beneficial for those who regularly walk or jog. While pedestrians can’t control what drivers do, they can focus more on their own safety in traffic and hold unsafe drivers accountable for crashes that do occur.
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