A pedestrian accident has the potential to change your life in many ways. Victims often suffer devastating injuries, which can leave them unable to work and generate costly medical bills. Some pedestrians die in these accidents, leaving behind loved ones who will struggle with emotional pain for the rest of their lives. Unfortunately, fatal pedestrian accidents occur far too frequently.
From distracted driving to poor visibility, pedestrian accidents have many causes. It is important to go over statistics on these accidents in order to understand risk factors and how often these accidents take place.
Pedestrian accidents claim thousands of lives each year
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, pedestrian accidents claimed more than 5,900 lives during 2017. When an accident occurs, pedestrians have a 1.5 times greater chance of dying when compared to those riding in passenger vehicles. In 2017, 20% of those younger than 15 who died in a traffic accident were pedestrians, and 20% of all pedestrian fatalities claimed the lives of those 65 and over.
A majority of fatal pedestrian accidents occur at night
The CDC reports that a majority of fatal pedestrian accidents take place during the night. Moreover, more pedestrians lose their lives in urban areas and most deaths occur outside of intersections. Nearly half of all deadly pedestrian accidents involved alcohol, whether the driver or pedestrian is under the influence.
It is important to keep these statistics in mind and focus on avoiding an accident, whether you regularly walk near traffic or drive. Moreover, families who lose a loved one due to a negligent driver deserve justice.
