Pedestrians have to worry about a variety of safety risks. They could trip over uneven sections of sidewalk or get knocked over by teenagers on skateboards. The biggest threat to their safety, however, is the presence of motor vehicles on the road nearby.
Anytime pedestrians step out onto public roads, they noticeably increase their risk of injury and death. Unfortunately, researchers have found that the number of pedestrian fatalities in recent years is the highest it has been in decades. Thousands of people have died annually in recent years due to car-pedestrian crashes, including a shocking 7,500 people in 2022.
What factors have facilitated this alarming increase in pedestrian collisions?
Increased driver distraction
People have slowly but steadily become far more dependent on mobile technology over the last decade. There are many people now who don’t feel uncomfortable disconnecting for even a half-hour commute. Despite laws prohibiting the manual use of mobile devices while driving, many people encounter motorists sending text messages or even posting the social media. Distracted drivers may not notice pedestrians and can cause tragic collisions.
Issues with excess speed
One of the factors that directly influence the likelihood of a pedestrian developing severe or fatal injuries is the speed of the motor vehicle. The faster the overall flow of traffic on the road, the more dangerous it may be for people to walk on that street. Pedestrians also have to consider how many people regularly exceed posted speed limits. The flow of traffic could be substantially faster than the posted limit for a particular. Once vehicle speeds reach 30 miles per hour or higher, the potential for severe injury or death significantly increases.
Changes in motor vehicle trends
What people want from their vehicles has changed significantly in recent years. Large vehicles like SUVs, Crossovers and pickup trucks dominate the consumer market. These bigger vehicles have blind spots that can endanger pedestrians and also lend themselves to unsafe driving practices. Those in big vehicles assume they aren’t at risk even if a crash occurs. They can then potentially cause life-altering injuries for any pedestrians they fail to notice in traffic or in a parking lot.
Ultimately, people who regularly walk or jog on public streets may benefit from learning about the factors that increase their risk of a pedestrian collision. And, people affected by pedestrian collisions often need help pursuing compensation. Lawsuits may be necessary, as insurance coverage may not be sufficient to pay for medical expenses and lost wages.