More than 145 million adults include walking as part of their active lifestyle, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. And, more than six in 10 people walk for transportation purposes, exercise, relaxation, or for other activities.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported that 6,516 pedestrians were killed in 2020 – one every 81 minutes — and about 55,000 were injured.
The reasons pedestrian accidents happen are many. For starters, recklessness by drivers can be considered one of the primary causes of pedestrian accidents. A driver who does not look for pedestrians or who does not obey traffic laws at crosswalks can be dangerous.
As day turns to night, the risk of a pedestrian accident could potentially increase. If pedestrians plan on walking after dark, wearing light-colored or reflective clothing and carrying a flashlight may prove helpful.
A few other causes of pedestrian accidents include:
Drivers should always be on the lookout for pedestrians. All drivers are required to use reasonable care to avoid hitting pedestrians, despite who has the right of way. To see recommended safety tips for drivers, visit the NHTSA website.
When pedestrians are struck by vehicles, William Mattar’s pedestrian accident attorneys can provide legal representation for pedestrians suffering serious physical injuries. If you were hit by a negligent driver while walking, call (844) 444-4444 today to schedule a free consultation about possible compensation for damages.