Every Year, Millions of People Are Victims of Pedestrian Crashes
Every year, millions of people are involved in pedestrian accidents. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that in 2020, 6,516 pedestrians were killed, and 55,000 pedestrians were injured in the U.S. To understand the dangers pedestrians face, it’s essential to understand the most common causes so that pedestrians can take steps to protect themselves. Let’s look at the top three causes of pedestrian accidents and what you need to know about them.
Distracted Drivers
One of the top causes of pedestrian accidents is distracted drivers. A driver who is distracted by texting or talking on their phone is likely to miss seeing a pedestrian crossing the road or fail to recognize them in time. To understand the magnitude of how common distracted driving occurs, the NHTSA reported 3,142 deaths in 2020 related to this dangerous driving behavior.
Aggressive Driving
Another major cause of pedestrian accidents is aggressive driving. This includes speeding, running red lights or stop signs, weaving between lanes, and more. When drivers behave aggressively on the roads, it increases their chances of being involved in an accident with a pedestrian since they are less likely to be able to react quickly enough if something unexpected happens.
Drivers Failing To Yield
Drivers who do not yield when they should is a common cause of pedestrian accidents every year. This includes failing to pay attention when turning at an intersection, driving through crosswalks without stopping for pedestrians, or not slowing down when approaching certain areas where pedestrians have the right-of-way (such as school zones). Additionally, some drivers will try to beat pedestrians across intersections by accelerating before they get there. This can lead to disastrous results if they misjudge how fast the person is going or if something else gets in their way unexpectedly. According to the NHTSA’s latest data recorded, roughly 9% of pedestrian deaths are related to drivers failing to yield the right-of-way.
Injured in a Pedestrian Accident? Contact Our San Jose Personal Injury Lawyers Today
At }, we understand how difficult the aftermath of an injury can be, especially when it has been caused by another’s negligence. Our compassionate and experienced personal injury attorneys are right beside you every step of the journey as we fight for your justice.
Contact us for a free consultation at (800) 900-0863 or by filling out this short form. Let us help secure rightful compensation for all losses incurred so that your rights remain protected!