Pedestrian related car accidents are more common than you think. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that 4,735 pedestrians were killed in 2013 in automobile accidents, with more than 150,000 injured. Why do these accidents happen? Here are the most common reasons given.
Stepping Out onto the Road
Children are among the most commonly injured and killed in road traffic accidents. Children may run out into the road without any warning, sometimes from behind cars, and seniors may not pay full attention or see cars from a distance. Drivers don't have the time to react, with some not paying attention to things going on around the roads to be ready.
It is not just children and seniors. Ped Bike Info states that in 2014, the average age of pedestrians killed in auto-pedestrian accidents was 47 years old, and the average age of people who were injured was 37. Adults may also step into the road without checking, and this may be due to distractions like phones and MP3 player use while walking. Some pedestrians can ignore the "walk" sign on roads, meaning they become at fault for the accident. Being intoxicated can be another reason, as it leads to swaying and stumbling into the road.
Drivers Being Distracted
Distractions are the most common reason for accidents to happen. Drivers who use their phones, GPS devices and even hands-free sets behind the wheel won't have the same reaction times as those who pay close attention.
Confusion also leads to problems, especially if drivers go down one-way streets the wrong way. It is important to be cautions and aware of surroundings when on the road. Look out for signs and keep your hands on the steering wheel.
Dangerous Driving
If not distracted, dangerous driving is another common reason. Drivers may be intoxicated behind the wheel or involved in drag racing. Others don't take into account the conditions of the road to adjust their speed limit, where braking distances will be affected.
Driving with a car that isn't roadworthy is another problem and included in dangerous driving. The brakes may be faulty or tires not up to standard.
Not all road traffic accidents involving pedestrians will be the drivers' faults. There are some cases where the pedestrians have acted in an unsafe way, whether it is due to intoxication or poor decisions when crossing. However, drivers are at fault in the majority of cases, and that is certainly the case when dangerous or distracted driving is concerned. Contact a business, such as Welsh & Welsh PC LLO, for more information.
