Pedestrian Injury and Fatality Statistics
- According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, nearly 6,000 pedestrians were killed in accidents occurring during 2016. Accidents during the previous year led to non-fatal injuries for approximately 70,000 pedestrians.
- Since 1975, there has been an overall decline in the incidence of pedestrian deaths. However, deaths reached a low point in 2009 and have been increasing ever since.
- Children under the age of 13 are least likely to be killed as pedestrians.
- Although elderly pedestrians are less likely to be involved in pedestrian crashes than children, they are more likely to die if they are involved in a crash.
- Male pedestrians are more likely to be killed in accidents than female pedestrians.
How Do Pedestrian Accidents Occur?
Pedestrian accidents can occur anytime a vehicle is traveling near someone walking on a sidewalk or roadway. However, certain situations are more likely to lead to pedestrian accidents than others. For example, most pedestrian accidents occur in urban area where there is a higher level of pedestrian and vehicle activity. However, because of the limited access to medical care and higher speeds associated with accidents in rural areas, accidents in these areas are more likely to result in deaths. More than three-fourths of all pedestrian deaths occur on major roadways where drivers are traveling at higher speeds.
A significant number of pedestrian accidents also occur at intersections where a pedestrian is crossing the street. This is especially true for accidents involving older pedestrians. The most common accident scenario at an intersection involves a pedestrian crossing the street in front of a vehicle that is traveling straight.
Pedestrian crashes are most common during daylight hours, but they are more likely to be fatal between the hours of 6 p.m. and midnight. Pedestrian crashes are also more likely to be fatal on Saturdays, even though crashes of all severities are more likely to occur on a weekday.
Staying Safe as a Pedestrian
Although certain scenarios and certain times of day make pedestrian accidents more likely, pedestrians are always vulnerable when they are traveling on sidewalks or roadways near active traffic. Some drivers may strike pedestrians because they aren't looking for them or because they simply aren't paying enough attention to the road. Speeding and alcohol or drug intoxication can also play a role in pedestrian injuries and fatalities. To reduce the risk of accidents while traveling as a pedestrian, always remember to:
- Obey crosswalk signals and road markings. - Always cross the road in areas that are designated for pedestrians, and always wait for a "walk" signal before you attempt to cross the road.
- Avoid traveling late at night or in poorly lit areas - Pedestrian accidents are more likely to be fatal after dark, so avoid traveling during these times if you can. If you must walk after dark, stick to well-lit areas and exercise greater caution.
- Be vigilant. - Even if you are taking all the proper precautions and obeying the law while you walk, a driver could still make a mistake and strike you. Stay vigilant at all times while walking on or near roadways so you can react quickly if you are in danger.
If you are struck by a reckless driver, you might be able to receive compensation for injuries associated with your injury. Contact a personal injury attorney that handles pedestrian accident cases and is licensed to practice in your state. Many of these attorneys offer free consultations to give you a clearer picture of your legal options.
