Not every person may drive or hold a driver’s license, but one thing is for sure – after about the age of 12 months, we are all pedestrians. What is a pedestrian exactly? It refers to when a person is walking, running, jogging, sitting, lying down, or hiking. In regard to motor vehicle accidents, the pedestrian is the person who was “on foot” as described above.
However, the term “pedestrian” does not refer to any person who is not in a motor vehicle. If a person is on a bicycle, a motorcycle, a motorized wheelchair or scooter, in a baby stroller, or in roller skates or on a skateboard, they are not considered a pedestrian.
Pedestrian Accident Facts
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in 2017 alone, 5,977 pedestrians lost their lives in traffic crashes in the United States – that’s an average of one pedestrian getting killed every 88 minutes in a motor vehicle crash. Another way to look at it is over 16 people a day and nearly 115 pedestrians dying in traffic crashes every single week in the US in 2017, but it got worse in 2018.
“Everyone has different preferences when it comes to transportation, but at one time or another everyone is a pedestrian. Unfortunately, there was a more than 3% increase in the number of pedestrians killed in traffic crashes in 2018, totaling 6,283 deaths,” reports the NHTSA.
Pedestrian safety tips from the NHTSA:
- When walking, follow the rules of the road and make sure that you obey the signs and signals. So, no walking on a red light.
- Whenever possible, walk on a sidewalk.
- Be alert at all times. Electronic devices can be distracting so stay off of them while actually walking. If you need to check a text or change your music, stop at a safe place and don’t resume walking until you’re finished with your device.
- If possible, cross at a crosswalk or intersection where drivers expect pedestrians to be. When crossing, look for drivers in every direction that may be driving into the crosswalk.
- If there aren’t any crosswalks available, cross in an area that is lit well and gives you a good view of oncoming traffic. As you cross, continue watching for traffic coming your way.
- If you’re walking at night, wear reflective materials or use a flashlight so you’re visible to drivers.
- As you approach driveways, watch for cars entering and exiting them.
- In parking lots, watch for cars backing up.
- Avoid walking when under the influence of drugs or alcohol since they impair judgment and safe walking abilities.
Next: Do I Have to Report a Car Accident in Texas?
We hope you found these pedestrian accident data helpful. If you need to file a pedestrian accident claim, contact The Zendeh Del Law Firm, PLLC today.
