Pedestrian Fatalities Rising as Smartphone Technology Continues to Distract

 Posted on March 08,2018 in Personal Injury Lawsuits

According to the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) pedestrian fatalities rose by 11 percent from 2015 to 2016, and smartphone technology was considered the primary culprit.

As drivers and pedestrians continue to utilize their mobile devices while traveling, the fatality rate for pedestrians continues to climb. The 11 percent increase in fatalities from 2015 to 2016 marks the largest single year rise in the history of the United States. Equally concerning, the overall death count of just under 6,000 is the single largest annual pedestrian fatality count in over two decades. The commonly held notion that pedestrians are choosing a safer method of travel by electing to walk has become factually incorrect, as the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) states that pedestrians are 1.5 times more likely than than automobile occupants to suffer fatal injuries each trip.

At Salvi & Maher, L.L.C., our personal injury team has years of experience representing pedestrians involved in automobile accidents. If you or a member of your family are injured in an automobile collision, please contact an experienced Waukegan attorney group to discuss your case and legal options.

When Are Pedestrians at Risk the Most?

Due in large part to distracted driving and walking, pedestrians are seemingly at risk for injury at all times of the day. However, there is a significant rise in pedestrian fatalities at night. Studies conducted by the GHSA state that 74 percent of pedestrian fatalities occur at night, especially due to lack of visibility. However, there are a number of ways to ensure you arrive safely to your destination. Wearing bright colors and a light on your head or back could be the difference between a safe journey and a treacherous one.

While the vast majority of pedestrian fatalities can be attributed to inattentive or reckless driving, some injuries may be the fault of the pedestrians themselves. More than 70 percent of all pedestrians killed in automobile accidents throughout 2016 were not crossing at marked intersections. Additionally, 34 percent of all pedestrians killed were legally drunk. Therefore, the next time you choose to walk to your destination, stay sober, follow traffic laws, and practice extreme caution at night.

Who is at Risk?

We all want to protect our family and loved ones. With that in mind, it is important to know who is at risk the most when it pertains to pedestrian injuries. The CDC states that pedestrians 65 or older made up just under 20 percent of all pedestrian deaths. Equally alarming is the fact that 20 percent of all children 15 or under who suffered fatal injuries in an automobile accident were actually pedestrians. Looking out for the elderly and young in your family may save you a trip to the hospital, or worse.

Contact Our Compassionate Pedestrian Accident Lawyers Today

Unfortunately, despite our best efforts, accidents do happen. If you or a loved one suffer injuries while walking to school, work, or anywhere else, contact our experienced and compassionate team of Waukegan personal injury attorneys. Dealing with the aftermath of an injury in the family can be incredibly difficult, especially when you are dealing with it on your own. Oue team would be happy to discuss your legal options.

Sources:

https://www.npr.org/2017/03/30/522085503/2016-saw-a-record-increase-in-pedestrian-deaths

https://www.cdc.gov/motorvehiclesafety/pedestrian_safety/index.html