Pedestrian Accidents on the Rise
The New Hampshire Traffic Safety Administration reported that early estimates indicate that pedestrian deaths have increased by 4% over the previous year. Pedestrians injured by passenger cars, trucks, and motorcycles, can make claims against the at fault driver’s liability insurance. The only thing that the pedestrian must prove is the driver’s negligence. Drivers owe a duty to pedestrians to use reasonable care on the road to avoid the risk of harm to others. If a driver’s failure to use reasonable care causes a pedestrian accident, he or she may be found negligent. If a pedestrian was injured by a driver who violates a safety related statute, the pedestrian may be able to sue under negligence per se.
Causes of pedestrian accidents are as following:
- Simply not paying attention–was on a cell phone or distracted.
- Alcohol use. Pedestrians and drivers will sometimes make the decision to use the roadways after drinking.
- Dark Clothes. Most accidents happen at night due to dark clothing and improper lighting. If you are out on the roadways, it is important to be aware that drivers may not be paying 100% attention. Make sure to wear bright clothing at night as well as reflectors if possible.
In 2016, 5,980 pedestrians were killed in traffic crashes in the United States. This averages to one crash related pedestrian death every 1.5 hours. To date indicates that persons are risk are older adults as a pedestrians aged 65 and over account for 20% of all pedestrian deaths in 2016, and an estimated 15% of all pedestrian deaths in 2015 according to National Traffic Safety Administration.
