Pedestrian Safety

April 3, 2017
dhdlaw

Each year thousands of pedestrians are injured and killed in accidents with vehicles.  These accidents are tragic but often preventable.  Drivers and pedestrians need to take steps to ensure everyone’s safety.  Contact an Allentown injury law attorney at Drake, Hileman & Davis, PC today by calling 888-777-7098 if you or a loved one has been injured or killed in a pedestrian-related accident.

Pedestrian Injury Statistics

The statistics surrounding pedestrian-related vehicle accidents are extremely sobering.  A recent survey conducted by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration found sobering statistics relating to pedestrian accidents.  In the year surveyed:

  • There were 4,735 pedestrians killed in traffic.
  • On average, a pedestrian was killed every 2 hours and injured every 8 minutes in crashes.
  • Pedestrian deaths accounted for 14 percent of all traffic-related deaths.
  • 26 % of pedestrian fatalities occurred in the evening hours.
  • 69% of the pedestrians killed in traffic crashes were males.
  • Alcohol involvement (driver and/or the pedestrian) was reported in 49% of all fatal accidents.

Unfortunately, the survey also found that one-in-five of the pedestrians killed were struck in crashes that involved hit-and-run drivers.  These statistics make it clear that pedestrians must take steps to protect themselves.

Please contact one of the personal injury attorneys at Drake, Hileman & Davis, PC today if you have been injured in a car accident.  Getting us involved early in the process is critical to ensuring you get full compensation for your injuries.

How Can Pedestrians Protect Themselves?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has identified some key measures that pedestrians can take to help protect themselves.

  • When low-light conditions are present, pedestrians should increase their visibility by carrying a flashlight or wearing reflective clothing.
  • Pedestrians, whenever possible, should cross streets at a designated crosswalks.
  • Pedestrians should use a sidewalk whenever possible, but if a sidewalk is not available, pedestrians should walk on the shoulder facing

Pedestrians should always remain aware of their surroundings.  High traffic areas require pedestrians to stay attentive and prepared to move quickly if necessary.

Certain types of pedestrians, such as children and the elderly, may require more care.  Children are often unable to appreciate the dangers that vehicles present.  Adults should always accompany children to and through intersections.  Elderly adults or adults with physical limitations may not be able to respond as quickly as others to dangers.  In all instances, pedestrians and drivers must exercise good judgment and proper care towards each other.

After you have received appropriate medical care, contact us so we can begin the legal process of getting you the compensation that you deserve for your injuries.

Contacting Drake, Hileman & Davis, PC

A vehicle accident involving a pedestrian can lead to serious bodily injury and even death.  Upon impact pedestrians can be thrown a significant distance or end up trapped underneath the vehicle.  Getting medical attention as quickly as possible after an accident is critical.

Once you have received a complete and medical examination contact an Allentown injury law attorney at Drake, Hileman & Davis, PC today at 888-777-7098 to discuss your legal rights and options.  Reckless drivers should compensate those they injure and we are here to help you.