Everyone is a Pedestrian at Some Point During the Day, Even if it is Getting Out of Our Vehicles and Walking into Our Destination; and Unfortunately Pedestrian Fatalities Remain High.
In 2019, an astonishing 6,205 pedestrians died in pedestrian-vehicle accidents according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). That is 17 pedestrian deaths every day and 119 pedestrian deaths every week. On average, a pedestrian was killed every 85 minutes in a traffic crash.
As a percentage of all accident fatalities, pedestrian deaths are high: 17 percent of all traffic fatalities in 2019 were pedestrians. Three percent of the total people injured in crashes in 2019 were pedestrians.
Age and Sex
In 2019, seventeen percent of children 14 and younger killed in traffic crashes were pedestrians. Those aged 55-to-59 had the highest percentage of pedestrian traffic fatalities at 23 percent. The age group with the largest number (659) of pedestrian fatalities was 55-to-59, followed by 60-to-64 (550) and 50-to-54 (533). The age group with the smallest number (46) of pedestrian fatalities was 5-to-9. Twenty-one percent of all pedestrian fatalities were people 65 and older. The average age of pedestrians killed in traffic crashes was 48.
Seventy percent of the pedestrians killed in traffic crashes were male. The overall male pedestrian injury rate per 100,000 population was 26, compared with 21 for females.
Alcohol
In 46 percent of the traffic crashes that resulted in pedestrian fatalities in 2019, alcohol was involved — for the driver and/or the pedestrian. Alcohol involvement is defined as whether alcohol was consumed by the driver and/or the pedestrian prior to the crash; the presence of alcohol may or may not be a contributing factor in the crash. “No alcohol” refers to a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .00 grams per deciliter (g/dL).
A total of 6,132 traffic crashes each had one or more pedestrian fatalities. In 2019, an estimated 32 percent of fatal pedestrian traffic crashes had a pedestrian fatality with a BAC of .08 g/dL or higher. An estimated 13 percent of fatal pedestrian crashes had a driver involved with a BAC of .08 g/dL or higher. (Note: It is illegal in every State to drive with a BAC of .08 g/dL or higher.)
States
In 2019, the number of pedestrian fatalities was highest in California (972), followed by Florida (713) and Texas (649). Vermont (3) had the fewest pedestrian fatalities, followed by North Dakota (5) and Alaska (6). The highest pedestrian fatality rate per 100,000 population was in New Mexico (3.96), followed by Florida (3.32) and Delaware (3.29). The national fatality rate in 2019 was 1.89. Vermont had the lowest pedestrian fatality rate per 100,000 population, 0.48, followed by Kansas (0.55) and North Dakota (0.66).
10 Walking Safety Tips for Pedestrians
- Obey signs and signals. Follow the rules of the road.
- Walk on sidewalks whenever they are available.
- If there is no sidewalk, walk facing traffic and as far from traffic as possible.
- Be 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. ALWAYS 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 pulling in or out of driveways or existing parking lots.
- Do not consume alcohol and drugs before going for a walk; they will alter your abilities and can lead to an accident.
9 Driving Safety Tips For Drivers
- Look out for pedestrians everywhere, at all times. Do not assume they see you. 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 cross-walk 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.
Pedestrian does not Survive from Being Hit by Semi-Truck in Port Everglades
Authorities said a pedestrian died at a local hospital early Friday after being struck by a semi-truck while in Port Everglades.
According to officials, the incident occurred a few minutes before 7 a.m. near the intersection of South Federal Highway and Southeast 30th Street.
A mechanic who works nearby said the victim was yelling at traffic and then jumped in front of the semi-truck, however authorities have not yet confirmed that information.
According to Broward Sheriff’s Office spokeswoman Gerdy St. Louis, the victim was taken to a local hospital and later died.
Detectives continue to investigate the circumstances leading up to the incident.
What To Do After a Pedestrian Accident
The first step in pursuing a crash involving a pedestrian is to reach out to an experienced attorney who can help guide you through the many questions that you will have about the legal process and potential compensation for your medical bills and other possible claims. An attorney will investigate to determine who caused the accident and who is responsible. They will review accident reports, speak to witnesses and other evidence to determine accident fault. They will ensure that all filing deadlines are met, including notice requirements for claims against the government.
Accidents involving pedestrians sometimes have one or more drivers involved. This means that there are times that multiple insurance companies will be involved. Our team of lawyers will negotiate with all parties at fault, and their insurance companies, with the goal to reach a settlement agreement without ever having to go to an actual trial. If they cannot reach an agreement that provides you with the compensation that you deserve, they will then pursue your financial recovery in court.
In an Accident involving a teenager? The Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine Can Help.
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