Pedestrian accidents are a significant concern in urban and suburban areas, often causing severe injuries and even fatalities. According to the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS), approximately 9,188 pedestrians died in 2022 alone. Both drivers and pedestrians play an important role in mitigating the prevalence of pedestrian accidents and implementing effective prevention strategies. In this article, we will delve into some of the most common causes of pedestrian accidents and what can be done to help reduce the incidence of them.

Distracted Drivers and Pedestrians

Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of all types of accidents, including those involving pedestrians. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), distracted driving claimed the lives of 3,308 people in 2022. Distracted driving is defined as anything that diverts your mind, eyes, or attention from driving, and there are three main types of it – cognitive, visual, and manual. Common distractions include texting, talking on the phone, eating, changing car controls, and daydreaming. When drivers are distracted while driving, their inattention greatly increases the chances that they will hit another vehicle or a pedestrian.

Drivers are not the only ones who can be distracted – pedestrians can, too. If pedestrians are on their phones, listening to music, or engaging in conversation while walking or running, they might not notice oncoming traffic, potential dangers, or traffic signals. The duality of driver and pedestrian distractions significantly increases the risk of a serious pedestrian accident.

Impaired Drivers

As the Wilmington pedestrian accident attorneys at Shipman & Wright LLP describe, impaired driving is another common cause of pedestrian accidents. When drivers are under the influence of alcohol or drugs while driving, a myriad of dangers arise including reduced reaction time, compromised judgment, and decreased coordination. Taken together, these dangers greatly increase the chance of a pedestrian accident occurring. Driving under the influence is not only incredibly dangerous, but it is also illegal and subject to severe legal repercussions.

Failure to Obey Traffic Laws

Failing to obey traffic laws is another common cause of pedestrian accidents, and it applies to both pedestrians and drivers. Drivers who run red lights, fail to yield to pedestrians at crosswalks, make illegal turns, or roll through stop signs pose a significant threat to the safety of pedestrians. Likewise, pedestrians who do not obey traffic laws by engaging in activities such as jaywalking are greatly increasing the chances that they might be hit by a driver. Both drivers and pedestrians must do their part in obeying traffic laws and keeping the roads safe.

Poor Pedestrian Visibility

One final common cause of pedestrian accidents is poor visibility. Drivers may struggle to spot pedestrians if there is inadequate street lighting, adverse weather conditions, or it is dark out. The chance of pedestrian accidents occurring in these conditions is heightened when pedestrians are wearing dark clothing. Furthermore, pedestrians must wear bright, reflective clothing and carry a flashlight when walking at night to catch the eye of drivers. Additionally, it is important that drivers use the appropriate headlights and reduce their speed in low-visibility situations.