Case Study: Pedestrian Road Traffic Accidents

Almost 6,000 pedestrians are killed each year in car accidents. That means one death every 88 minutes. An additional 137,000 pedestrians are injured but not killed in car accidents annually. 

The Causes of Pedestrian Traffic Accidents

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), almost half of all car accidents that result in pedestrian death are due to alcohol impairment. The CDC explains, “One in every three (33%) fatal pedestrian crashes involved a pedestrian with a blood alcohol concentration of at least 0.08 grams per deciliter (g/dL), 17% involved a driver with a blood alcohol concentration of at least 0.08 g/dL, and some fatal pedestrian crashes involved both.”

Another major cause of pedestrian accidents is older adults (70+). Roughly 20% of pedestrian deaths and 10% of pedestrian injuries result from an older driver. 

One in every five children (under 15) killed in traffic accidents were pedestrians. 

Other causes for pedestrian traffic accidents and deaths are speeding and driving at night. Most accidents occur at non-intersection locations in cities.

Legal Ramifications

Depending on the circumstances of a pedestrian accident, lawsuits can quickly become complex. In many cases, the injured pedestrian must prove that they took adequate measures to protect their own safety. Some factors that may affect post-accident lawsuits are:

• Using or not using a crosswalk.
• Waiting for a green light or safety signal before crossing.
• Wearing reflective or bright clothing at night to be easily seen. 
• Distracted driving or a pedestrian who is not paying attention to traffic.
• Alcohol or drug impairment on either side.
• Age.
• The extent of the injuries or death. 
• Weather conditions.
• Night driving.
• Speeding or other traffic violations. 

Safety Tips to Reduce Pedestrian Traffic Accidents and Deaths

According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), pedestrian motor vehicle deaths have increased 51% since 2009. The most significant risk factor is drivers over the age of 70.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) provides a list of safety tips for drivers to reduce the number of pedestrian traffic accidents:

• “Look out for pedestrians everywhere, at all times. Safety is a shared responsibility.
• Use extra caution when driving in hard-to-see conditions, such as nighttime or bad weather.
• Slow down and be prepared to stop when turning or otherwise entering a crosswalk.
• Yield to pedestrians in crosswalks and stop well back from the crosswalk to give other vehicles an opportunity to see the crossing pedestrians so they can stop too.
• Never pass vehicles stopped at a crosswalk. There may be people crossing that you can’t see.
• Never drive under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.
• Follow the speed limit, especially around people on the street.
• Follow slower speed limits in school zones and in neighborhoods where children are present.
• Be extra cautious when backing up—pedestrians can move into your path.”

Additionally, the NHTSA provides safety tips for pedestrians: 

• “Be predictable. Follow the rules of the road and obey signs and signals.
• Walk on sidewalks whenever they are available.
• If there is no sidewalk, walk facing traffic and as far from traffic as possible.
• Keep alert at all times; don’t be distracted by electronic devices that take your eyes (and ears) off the road.
• Whenever possible, cross streets at crosswalks or intersections, where drivers expect pedestrians. Look for cars in all directions, including those turning left or right.
• If a crosswalk or intersection is not available, locate a well-lit area where you have the best view of traffic. Wait for a gap in traffic that allows enough time to cross safely; continue watching for traffic as you cross.
• Never assume a driver sees you. Make eye contact with drivers as they approach to make sure you are seen.
• Be visible at all times. Wear bright clothing during the day, and wear reflective materials or use a flashlight at night.
• Watch for cars entering or exiting driveways, or backing up in parking lots.
• Avoid alcohol and drugs when walking; they impair your abilities and your judgment.”