One of the most common road accidents in the United States is a pedestrian accident. In busy cities where traffic is pretty high, with numerous cars plying the roads daily and pedestrians walking on the sidewalks, measures are put in place to not only prevent vehicles from colliding but also to protect pedestrians from getting involved in pedestrian accidents.
Measures, such as traffic lights, road signs, crosswalks, pedestrian walk signs, traffic laws, and a lot more, are put in place to prevent accidents and fatalities. Sadly, despite all the measures created, a study shows that over 8,000 pedestrians were killed in traffic crashes in 2021 alone.
If you are a pedestrian who was involved in a traffic accident, you have the right to hold the vehicle owner or driver liable for your damages with the help of a pedestrian accident lawyer.
As a victim, you might have several questions on your mind. This article will help you understand the possible reasons why pedestrians are involved in accidents.
Reasons Why Pedestrians Are Involved in Accidents
Some of the possible reasons why pedestrians are involved in accidents are:
- Distracted Drivers
Drivers and pedestrians are advised to pay attention to the environment at all times when driving or walking, and also to avoid texting, responding to calls, or eating or drinking while driving or walking. Texting and driving, or texting and walking, is a major cause of pedestrian accidents in the United States.
- Speeding
Most drivers who are involved in pedestrian accidents drive beyond the speed limit stipulated by law. This is especially true in school zones and parks. Drivers are advised to follow the speed limits to prevent pedestrian accidents and minimize possible damages in a situation where an accident occurs.
- Disobeying Traffic Signs
Traffic signs are provided for the safety and security of both pedestrians and drivers. Drivers are to ensure that they obey the traffic signs and lights, and pedestrians are to avoid ‘jaywalking’ and wait for the ‘Go’ sign before crossing the street.
- Poor Vision
There are instances where factors such as bad weather conditions, poor headlights, and bad vision of the driver and pedestrians can cause road accidents.
- Driving While Intoxicated (DWI)
Drugs and alcohol can intoxicate a driver or pedestrian, thereby impairing their judgment and making simple acts such as driving a car and even walking on the road difficult and dangerous.
- Wearing Dark Clothes at Night
The possibility of pedestrian accidents increases at night, so it is therefore advisable to wear bright-colored clothing or use a pocket flashlight when using the sidewalk or crossing the road. Drivers should also be extra conscious of pedestrians walking by the sidewalk at night.
- Construction of Roads
This is another cause of road accidents because, when roads are being constructed, pedestrians and drivers tend to take unusual routes. However, this does not excuse reckless driving or jaywalking. Pedestrians and drivers in situations like this are required to be extra cautious and reasonable when taking unusual routes.
- Walking in the Street
The sidewalk was demarcated from the main street for the protection and safety of both drivers and pedestrians. Pedestrians are to walk on the sidewalks and stay clear of the streets to avoid getting involved in an accident.
- Disobeying the Crossing Rule
One rule that every pedestrian must always remember is the crossing rule: to look left and right, then left again before crossing. Following this rule will ensure that a pedestrian confirms that there is no oncoming vehicle before crossing the street, preventing any accidents from occurring.
