Safety Tips for Avoiding Pedestrian Accidents This Summer

 Posted on June 13,2018 in Pedestrian Accidents

Throughout the United States, a pedestrian is killed every one and a half hours. In total, 5,987 pedestrians were fatally injured in motor vehicle collisions throughout 2016 alone. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), this represented a nine percent increase in total pedestrian fatalities in comparison to 2015.

With an increased number of Chicagoans out to enjoy the summer months, this time of year represents an increased risk of pedestrian accidents. If you or a member of your family are injured in a motor vehicle accident this summer, you should be sure to understand your options for pursuing compensation for the damages you have suffered.

Practicing Pedestrian Safety 

While many pedestrian fatalities are unavoidable due to driver recklessness, people on foot can take steps to stay as safe as possible when using the roads. Here are a few safety tips to keep in mind when traveling as a pedestrian:

Use Crosswalks: According to the NHTSA, 72% of all pedestrian fatalities occur at non-intersections. In many cases, this means that a pedestrian was attempting to cross the street at an unmarked location. As pedestrians, we too have a responsibility to follow traffic laws, and if we fail to do so, the result could be severe injury and even death.

Be Careful at Night: When traveling after daylight hours as a pedestrian, it is crucially important to practice extreme caution. After extensive research, the NHTSA found that roughly 75% of all pedestrian fatalities throughout the United States occur at night. If you or a loved one are walking at night, wear bright, visible clothing, follow all traffic laws, and take additional care when crossing the street.

Do Not Drink and Walk: The NHTSA estimates that roughly one third of all pedestrian fatalities in 2016 involved intoxicated pedestrians. Their research found that 33% of all pedestrians killed had a blood alcohol content over the legal driving limit of .08%. Next time you go for a walk, you may want to avoid alcohol consumption.

Contact a Lake County Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

Here in the state of Illinois, traffic fatalities are far too common. In 2017 alone, 1,080 people lost their lives in motor vehicle accidents throughout the state. Pedestrian fatalities are also rising throughout the state, as Illinois saw an above average fatality count for pedestrians in 2017. If you or a loved one have been injured in a pedestrian accident, it is important to find the legal guidance that can help your family receive the compensation you deserve. For additional information, contact our experienced team of Waukegan personal injury attorneys at 847-662-3303 to set up a free consultation.

Sources:

http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2018/01/04/illinois-traffic-deaths-2017/

https://chi.streetsblog.org/2017/11/08/rise-in-pedestrian-fatalities-continues-with-39-deaths-this-year/

https://crashstats.nhtsa.dot.gov/Api/Public/Publication/812493