Distracted driving has caused the death of more than 6,227 pedestrians in 2018, which is the highest rate in over thirty years in the United States.
A new report, published by the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA), has brought many statistics concerning pedestrian accidents to light, and should challenge both drivers and walkers alike to take steps to keep everyone around them safe.
The report took into account several factors that could be increasing pedestrian accidents including distracted driving and even the presence of larger vehicles like SUVs.
Here are some of the shocking statistics brought forward by the GHSA report:
- In the last 10 years, pedestrian accident deaths have increased by roughly 35 percent, whereas all other traffic deaths have gone down 6 percent.
- Pedestrian accidents involving sedans increased by 30 percent; however, SUV pedestrian accidents increased by more than 50 percent.
- Local streets experience a much higher percentage of pedestrian accidents than larger highways or interstates.
Although these numbers are a dramatic increase over the recent years, there are ways to prevent them from getting any higher.
Here’s what YOU can do to prevent pedestrian accidents:
Pedestrians
- Avoid wearing dark clothing at night
- Always cross the street in designated crosswalks
- Try to make eye contact with the driver as you cross to be sure they stop
- If crossing in a place with crosswalk signals, always obey them
Drivers
- Be sure to slow down in high pedestrian areas like downtown streets or near popular destinations
- Do your best to make eye contact with pedestrians who appear to be crossing the street
- Be sure to obey school bus stopping rules
- Always avoid distracted driving, but especially while on busy local roads
If you or someone you love has been involved in a pedestrian accident, contacting an experienced car accident attorney can help you navigate the legal process and get back to normal.
