Pedestrian Are Being Hit in Record Numbers, Even in Cities With High “Walk Scores”

As society becomes concerned about their health and the environment, more people are giving up their vehicles and walking instead. Walking has become trendy that cities are now graded on their “walk score,” or how easy it is for pedestrians to get around on foot. Some people even use walk scores to determine where they will live, work, or go to school. Sadly, even in these more “walkable” cities, pedestrians are dying in record numbers.

A total of 4,884 pedestrians were killed on American roads in 2014, but even that number pales in comparison to the 2015 numbers. Overall, there were 5,376 deaths – or about one death every two hours. Nonfatal injuries have even more concerning numbers. In fact, the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (NHTSA) indicates that a pedestrian is injured once every seven minutes in the United States.

Why are the pedestrian crash rates so high, and what can individuals do to protect themselves from death or injury? To address the former issue, one must first examine the epidemic known as distracted driving. It is taking over American roadways, affecting and causing crashes for every type of road user in existence. Many pedestrians are paying more attention to their phones than the traffic around them, and there are drivers using their phones while driving, despite it being illegal to do so in the state of California. To protect yourself in this environment, you must be both proactive and defensive.

Although pedestrians are considered our most vulnerable road users, they do have at least some protection strategies that can help ensure their safety. First, pedestrians are discouraged from using their cellphones while walking. Instead, they should pay attention to the traffic around them, especially while in or near a crosswalk. Pedestrians are also encouraged to stay on the sidewalk, out of the road, and to cross only at designated crosswalks, as these areas offer the most possible protection. You can also watch the wheels of a vehicle to determine if they may try to move, despite it not being their turn to go. Lastly, if you are ever in doubt as to whether it is safe to cross, assume it is not. It is better to be late than injured.

At Corsiglia, McMahon & Allard, LLP, we understand the tragic impact that a pedestrian crash can have on victims and their families. Dedicated and experienced, our San Jose pedestrian accident lawyers will aggressively pursue the most compensation possible for your situation. Schedule a free initial consultation to get started. Call our offices at (408) 289-1417 today.

• Even in so-called ‘walkable’ cities, pedestrians are getting killed in record numbers