Studies show that more than 7,500 pedestrians were killed by drivers in 2022. There are many causes of fatal pedestrian accidents that both walkers and drivers should be aware of. If someone you know was injured or killed in a pedestrian accident, contact a New York pedestrian accident lawyer for advice and representation.
Leading Causes of Fatal Pedestrian Accidents:
Refer to the following list for some of the leading causes of fatal pedestrian accidents.
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is a serious issue, especially with the rise of technology. Besides texting while driving, eating, playing music, using a GPS, and more can all contribute to distracted driving. When a driver does not have their full attention on the road they could be unaware of a pedestrian and end up hitting them.
Speeding
Speeding is one of the leading causes of fatal pedestrian accidents. When a driver speeds they may not give themselves enough time to react to a pedestrian in the road and stop in time to avoid a crash. When a person is struck at significant speeds they could sustain severe injuries that lead to death.
Failure to Follow Road Rules
Both drivers and pedestrians can be guilty of not following the rules of the road. If a driver runs a red light, makes an illegal U-turn, fails to stop at a stop sign properly, etc. they may end up striking a pedestrian.
Either party failing to yield the right of way to the appropriate person can also result in an accident. When the pedestrian has a crosswalk or a walking light the driver must stop and let them pass. When the driver has a green light and the right of way the pedestrian must remain on the sidewalk and wait for their turn.
Distracted Pedestrians
Like drivers, pedestrians can cause an accident by being distracted as well. If they are on their phone or not paying attention they may walk out into the street without realizing that a vehicle is coming.
Left Hand Turns
More pedestrians are hit by drivers making a left-hand turn than a right-hand turn. Because drivers are focusing on oncoming traffic and their turn requires a wider radius, there is a higher chance that a pedestrian will be struck.
Any of the above can result in anything from minor injuries to a fatal accident. It is imperative that both drivers and pedestrians exercise caution at all times to avoid an accident and injury.
Where Are Pedestrians Most Likely to Be Hurt?
If you are a pedestrian or driver it is important to be aware of the above causes and be prepared to prevent an accident. Statistics show that pedestrians are more likely to be injured or killed in an accident in an urban setting and when it is dark out. Higher amounts of traffic and lower visibility contribute significantly to pedestrian accidents so be cautious in these areas and at these times.