Walking should be the safest way to get to any destination, but it isn’t. Thousands of people are injured annually in pedestrian accidents. In fact, 50,000 children are injured in pedestrian accidents every year. The National Highway Transport Safety Administration lists pedestrian accidents as one of the leading causes of child fatalities in the country.
Whether you drive everywhere or prefer to walk, it’s important to understand the most common types of pedestrian accidents. This will help you avoid these scenarios.
- Pedestrian struck while crossing highway: This is the most common type of pedestrian accident. Pedestrians are struck when crossing the road. Pedestrian accidents are more common when jaywalking. For that reason, pedestrians are advised to stick to crosswalks and footbridges to minimize the risk of injury.
- Pedestrians struck while on the side of the road: This often occurs when pedestrians are walking along busy roads. If you find yourself in such a situation, make use of the sidewalk. If a sidewalk is not available, be sure to use the extreme right side of the road. It is also important to dress in bright colors when walking at night. This will help motorists notice you sooner and drive cautiously as they approach you.
- Pedestrian hit by vehicle backing up: These types of accidents are common in parking lots and streets that have driveways. These accidents often occur because the driver has limited visibility when backing out of a parking space or their driveway into the street. This however does not absolve drivers of their responsibility to be aware of their surroundings. They are also required to back up slowly in order to avoid accidents.
- Play or work accidents: These accidents occur in residential areas or work zones. They occur when children or workers are struck in areas that are designated as safe zones. Children may be hit by motor vehicles while playing in a residential area, at school or at the park. They may run onto the street while engaged in a game. Workers may be struck while in a road construction or building work zone.
- Failing to yield at crosswalks: Traffic laws give pedestrians the right of way at crosswalks. Motorists are therefore required to give way to pedestrians crossing the street at intersections. However, drivers who are impatient, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or aggressive may not yield and end up causing a pedestrian accident.
If you or someone you love has been injured in a car accident, contact an experienced law firm today.
