Why Pedestrian Accidents Are on the Rise

In 2020, there were approximately 6,720 pedestrian deaths related to vehicular accidents. Compared to the previous year, that is a 5% increase in auto-related pedestrian fatalities.

What makes these numbers even more shocking is that there were so many more pedestrian deaths yet, there were far fewer cars on the road due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Pedestrian accidents have been on the rise over the last decade, but what accounts for this increase?

Safety on the road is imperative to keep drivers and pedestrians safe. Understanding the cause of the rise in accidents can help us determine how to make changes for better road safety.

Keep reading to learn more about the rise in pedestrian accidents and what you can do to stay safe on the road.

Texting While Driving (and Walking)

Texting while driving is one of the most common (and avoidable) causes of pedestrian accidents. Cell phone use is distracting and puts you and others on the road at risk.

Many people use GPS and other necessary functions on their cellphones for driving but they should be used in a safe and proper way. A few decades prior, there were no cellphones to keep us distracted on the road. Therefore, this is a major cause of the increase in accidents.

Drivers are not the only ones that are guilty of being distracted by their smartphones. Pedestrians are also to blame for accidents because they were busy looking down at their digital devices.

Impaired Driving

Driving while intoxicated is still an unfortunate cause of pedestrian accidents.

Alcohol or drug use before driving impairs your vision, judgment, reaction time, and motor skills. Impaired driving makes it difficult for you to spot pedestrians on the road, stop quickly enough to avoid an accident, or allow you to follow traffic signals.

It is dangerous and puts others on the road at risk.

Exercising Outdoors

The pandemic has prompted many more people to exercise outdoors than usual. This has also resulted in more auto accidents than we have seen in previous years.

Here are some of the ways that the COVID-19 pandemic has affected traffic and more potential accidents:

• Closures of fitness studios
• People working from home and exercising outside
• Fewer people use mass transit to avoid the virus
• Street closures

These are just some of the ways that COVID-19 has resulted in more people on the sidewalks than usual. This, unfortunately, leads to more risks on the road.

Added Risks for Pedestrians

Pedestrians are also more vulnerable to traffic accident deaths. The following are some of the possible risks for pedestrians that can lead to accidents:

• Jaywalking
• Speeding cars
• Inexperienced drivers
• Pedestrian negligence
• Distracted drivers

These are just some of the risks that pedestrians face. However, there are ways that both pedestrians and drivers can ensure that the road is a safer place.

How to Improve Safety as a Driver

If you’re a driver, there are several ways that you can ensure the road is safe to place drivers and pedestrians. Here are some safety tips for drivers:

• Check for pedestrians at all times
• Exercise caution in harsh driving conditions such as bad weather or night driving
• Slow down when you near a crosswalk and prepare to break
• Never drive after consuming alcohol or other substances
• Avoid crossing cars at a crosswalk
• Adhere to the speed limit
• Drive cautiously in school zones
• Take caution when backing up and look out for pedestrians

Even as a well-experienced driver, staying vigilant and cautious can mean saving a life. These are small steps that all drivers can take to ensure road safety.

How to Stay Safe as a Pedestrian

Pedestrians also have a responsibility to stay safe on the road. They must take caution and stay aware in order to avoid accidents.

Don’t Assume the Drive Can See You

As a pedestrian, it’s easy to trust the drivers around you and assume they are paying attention. Staying vigilant means you must practice defensive walking as a pedestrian.

Pedestrians usually assume that if there are traffic rules vehicles will automatically abide by the rules but that’s not always the case.

Avoid Jaywalking

Most drivers only look for pedestrians at a designated crosswalk. If you want to avoid the risk of an accident, be sure to only cross the road when you have a green light as a pedestrian at a crossing intersection.

Be Cautious of Alcohol Intake

As previously mentioned, alcohol can impair your judgment, motor skills, and reaction time. This is not only true for drivers but pedestrians as well. If you are intoxicated, it is more difficult to follow street signs and pay attention to the road.

By drinking alcohol, you are also more prone to risk-taking behavior. Ensure that you have a safe way to get home if you’ve been drinking and avoid the roads even as a pedestrian.

Looking Both Ways 

This might sound obvious but it is imperative. From childhood, you were likely taught the rules of being a law-abiding pedestrian and this is one of the most important rules. Checking both directions of the road before you cross is imperative before crossing the road.

You should do this even if you are at a designated crosswalk and the light is on your side.

What to Do After a Pedestrian Accident

If you’re involved in a pedestrian auto accident, there are several ways that the right legal aid can help you get compensation.

This type of accident causes emotional, physical, and financial suffering. With the right pedestrian accident lawyer, you can get financial compensation for the victim.

The team at Alpha Accident Lawyers can help you get the most out of your claim.

Preventing Pedestrian Accidents for Safer Roads

Although there has been an increase in pedestrian accidents, there are ways that both drivers and pedestrians can make the road safer. Exercising caution, avoiding alcohol, obeying traffic rules, and avoiding smartphones are all effective ways to avoid accidents.

Be sure to contact us for the best lawyer and legal help after a pedestrian auto accident.