Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents

During this Covid-19 crisis, walking and jogging have become even more popular for exercise and emotional health. However, most pedestrians don’t realize the extent of their risk from motor vehicle accidents. The body has no defense when it is struck by the moving mass of a vehicle. The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) has reported a 3% increase in the number of pedestrians killed in traffic crashes in 2018, for a staggering total of 6,283 deaths.

Risk Factors for Pedestrian Accidents (CDC data):

Age

Pedestrians between age 50 to 59 had the highest percentage of fatality. Children 14 years old and younger were also at a high risk for death and teenagers and young adults from 15 to 29 years old were most likely to be treated for injuries in emergency rooms than from any other age group.

Alcohol Impaired Driver and/or Pedestrian

One pedestrian in every three (33%) fatal crashes had a blood alcohol concentration of at least 0.08 grams per deciliter (g/dL); Drivers with a blood alcohol concentration of at least 0.08 g/dL comprised 17% of the pedestrian fatalities.

Gender

Men were more likely than women to be injured.  The overall male pedestrian fatality rate per 100,000 population was 2.60, which is more than double the rate for females (1.07 per 100,000 population).

Causes for Pedestrian Accidents

In New Jersey, the most common causes of pedestrian accidents include but are not limited to:

• Speeding can determine the severity of the impact and makes a driver less likely to avoid hitting a pedestrian
• Distracted driving can prevent a driver from seeing and reacting to a pedestrian.
• Intoxicated driving, through the use of drugs or alcohol, impairs a person’s reaction time and coordination skills.
• Failing to consider weather conditions, such as fog, rain, ice, or snow, affect stopping distance and become factors in accidents.
• Failing to follow road signs and traffic signals commonly result in horrific crashes. 
• Navigating left hand turns can cause a driver to miss observing a pedestrian legally crossing the street.
• Backing out of the driveway can lead to the most devastating tragedies when a child innocently walks behind the vehicle and cannot be seen by the driver.
• Backing out of parking space in a crowded parking lot can also present an inherent danger.

Basics of Pedestrian Safety

1. Keep aware and alert at all times–this means controlling the distraction from electronic devices
2. Obey signs and walk on the sidewalk
3. Wear bright clothing during the day and reflective material/flashlight at night 
4. Watch vehicles backing up in a driveway or parking lot
5. Don’t assume that a driver can see you.

Contact a Red Bank Personal Injury Lawyer to Discuss Your Pedestrian Injury Case in New Jersey

Were you or a loved one injured in New Jersey? Don’t let the medical bills pile up while you wait for the negligent party or their insurance company to do the right thing. Right now, you need an aggressive personal injury attorney on your side, fighting to get you the compensation you need, want, and deserve. The skilled attorneys at Drazin and Warshaw, P.C. represent clients injured in represent clients in Long Branch, Brick, Holmdel, Lakewood and throughout Monmouth County, Middlesex County, and Ocean County, New Jersey. Call  (732) 576-8860 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a free consultation about your case. We have an office conveniently located at 25 Reckless Place, Red Bank, NJ 07701 as well as offices in Hazlet and Brick.

The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney-client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.