Blog Topic

Pedestrian Fatality on the Rise: Safety Needed
Posted by: Craig A. Knapp
January 19, 2012

A new study released shows that walking may be more dangerous than riding in a car. When comparing pedestrian deaths in 2010 versus 2009, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) found an increase by more than 70,000 injuries and 4,280 deaths. Unfortunately, due to lack of research, they are not entirely sure why. Despite lack of statistics and information, NHTSA has come up with possible explanations for the increase:

-Texting while walking. It may seem silly, but texting while walking can be just as dangerous as texting while driving. In fact, it may be more dangerous since you have no protection around you when walking, unlike when you're in a vehicle.

-Low-income residents and immigrants have been moving to suburban areas that were designed for automobile travel, making it a less safe environment for walkers in those areas. 

-Most roads are designed to accompany large volumes of cars to travel at a higher pace, making speed and crowding more dangerous for walkers.

-Alcohol Impairment. It may seem like a safe choice to walk home when intoxicated, rather than driving. However, research shows it is actually just as dangerous as operating a vehicle and can still cause deaths. In fact, in 2009, alcohol was involved in 48% of all pedestrian fatalities according to the NHTSA. Of those, 35% of the pedestrians killed were legally drunk, as were 13% of drivers involved. In 6% of fatal pedestrian crashes, both driver and pedestrian were legally drunk.

As more people turn to the road by foot, rather than by car, safety while walking becomes increasingly important. Aside from road safety upgrades the NHTSA could make, there are things that pedestrians could do to avoid harm, as well. Pedestrians need to ensure that they are making safe choices while walking. Next time you're walking, put your cell phone away, don't drink and walk, and pay attention to where you're going and what's going on around you. It could save your life.

If you or someone you know has been harmed while walking due to poor road safety, reach out to Knapp & Roberts' experienced attorneys. We believe that everyone should be in the safest environment possible when traveling by foot. If you have questions regarding an incident, don't hesitate to ask. We care and we are here to help.

Source: As Road Deaths Fall, More Pedestrians Struck

Permalink