Did you know that in 2016, the number of pedestrian deaths increased by 11 percent? Understanding why pedestrian deaths have increased might help citizens avoid similar fates.
Distracted Driving and Walking
According to NPR, distraction might have a considerable impact on pedestrian safety. Both drivers and pedestrians might find themselves distracted while on roads and sidewalks, whether they’re listening to music through ear buds or checking their phones for incoming text messages.
Smart Vehicles
Many forms of smart car technology exist, from intelligent cruise control and lane-drift warning systems to automatic braking and crash-avoidance systems. While these features are intended to improve driver safety, some drivers might rely on them too much.
If drivers assume that their cars will prevent collisions, for instance, they might pay less attention to the road. When brake lights appear ahead, they could wait a few extra seconds to tap their own brakes. These issues highlight the need for more education about how smart vehicle technology works.
Drug and Alcohol Abuse
According to Car and Driver, roughly half of pedestrian deaths involve some form of substance abuse. An intoxicated driver can lose control of a vehicle, and an impaired pedestrian might stumble into traffic, unaware of his or her surroundings.
Preventing Pedestrian Accidents
Both motorists and pedestrians can help prevent accidents involving vehicles and people on foot.
Drivers:
- Pay attention to your surroundings at all times, especially after dark.
- Come to a full stop at all intersections and look in all directions.
- Watch for pedestrians and cyclists and know where they are at all times.
- Drive defensively at all times instead of relying on technology to keep you and others safe.
- Never drive while impaired.
Pedestrians:
- Use sidewalks when possible to avoid putting yourself in the path of a car.
- Wear bright clothing when out at night so that motorists can see you.
- Avoid leaving the house while intoxicated.
- Check both ways twice before crossing a street.
- Stick to surface roads instead of busier streets when possible.
What to Do If You’re in a Collision
If you’re involved in a collision between a vehicle and a pedestrian, never admit fault at the scene. Consult an attorney immediately to discuss your rights and options, and call the police so that they can document the situation.
When the police find that the other party might have been negligent, you could have a case. Call McIntyre Thanasides at 844-511-4800 to consult with one of our experienced attorneys.
TJ Grimaldi joined McIntyre in 2011. McIntyre recruited TJ to create the divisions of personal injury and family law, as well as to expand the existing criminal defense practice at the firm. During TJ’s tenure at McIntyre, he has helped oversee and grow these practice areas. He continues to practice in these divisions while also expanding his own practice areas to include estate planning and immigration law. TJ is admitted to practice before the Supreme Court of Florida and the United States District Court for the Middle and Southern Districts of Florida.
