Thousands of pedestrians sustain severe injuries due to motor vehicle crashes throughout the nation. According to the CDC, 5,977 pedestrians were killed in traffic crashes in the United States; this means that one pedestrian died every 88 minutes. However, several contributing factors lead to an increased risk of pedestrian fatalities during the springtime.
The California Office of Traffic Safety revealed that nearly 7,500 pedestrians have died in California between 2009 and 2018. California’s pedestrian fatality rate is roughly 25% higher than the national average. This is a critical issue throughout the nation, but primarily California faces the most severe outcomes when it comes to pedestrian safety.
Causes of Pedestrian Fatalities During the Spring
Car accidents can occur at any time of year; however, the risk factors are different for each season. The statistics are alarming, yet as springtime arrives and more people are on the go, leisurely walking, especially to school or strolling through shopping centers, it increases the likelihood of getting struck by a moving vehicle. The factors that may contribute to the increase of pedestrian-related crashes are:
Daylight Saving Time
Increased traffic
Young or inexperienced drivers
Speeding
Impaired driving
Reckless and aggressive driving
Distracted driving
Failure to yield to a pedestrian
Disregarding stop signs
Failure to obey traffic laws and signals.
Fatigued driving
Tips to Prevent a Pedestrian Accident
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration found 6,205 pedestrian fatalities in 2019, and approximately 76,000 pedestrians were injured nationwide. Drivers and pedestrians both have a responsibility to help promote pedestrian safety.
Here are some essential tips to keep in mind:
As a pedestrian, wear reflective clothing to increase visibility in the evening hours.
As a motorist, follow the rules of the road.
When driving, follow the speed limit and practice defensive driving.
Proceed with caution when driving; look around for any pedestrians nearby.
Be cautious when backing up.
Yield to pedestrians at crosswalks.
Contact a Sacramento Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
Piering Law Firm advocates for the rights of pedestrian victims who have been hit by motor vehicles. If you or a loved one were involved in a pedestrian-related accident, we could work hard to recover maximum compensation for you. Contact us today at (916) 476-2399 to schedule a free case consultation.