Pedestrian crashes are a major safety concern for Mesa area residents and people all over the United States. In the last few years, pedestrian fatalities have grown to the highest point recorded within the last four decades.
Numerous factors contribute to a pedestrian’s level of risk, many of which are outside of their control. Trends in vehicle design, for example, have a relationship with pedestrian collisions. Bigger vehicles and smaller windshields both contribute to the increased risk for those walking or jogging near motor vehicles.
There are other factors that connect many pedestrian crashes, and Arizona residents who are aware of those risk factors may have an easier time avoiding an incident that could produce life-altering or fatal injuries.
Vehicle speed
One of the most important considerations when evaluating the severity of a pedestrian crash is the speed of the vehicle involved. At slower speed limits, like those used in residential neighborhoods, pedestrian crashes are likely to cause injury but less likely to cause fatalities. Once the speed of the vehicle reaches 42 miles per hour, the chance of someone dying increases to about 50%. Pedestrians can protect themselves by choosing to walk in residential neighborhoods or on trails instead of on rural roads with higher speed limits.
Visibility issues
A large number of pedestrian collisions occur after dark. Drivers already have a hard time noticing pedestrians in traffic. When they have trouble monitoring their surroundings due to darkness, the chances of a crash may increase. Decreased visibility coupled with decreased awareness of pedestrian activity at night contribute to nighttime pedestrian crash risk. Pedestrians who walk during the day or use illuminated gear to draw attention may be able to reduce their risk of a crash.
Distraction while walking
Most people readily acknowledge that distracted driving is dangerous, but they may think nothing of typing out a text message while walking to the corner store. Distracted pedestrians may step out into traffic and end up severely hurt as a result. Pedestrians should pay close attention to their surroundings, especially when they approach intersections or cross the street.
If a motorist strikes a pedestrian, they may have to provide insurance coverage for the injured pedestrian. In some cases, the pedestrian may even have grounds to take legal action against the driver who hit them if their insurance coverage is not sufficient to address their losses.
Understanding these risks can help pedestrians to avoid collisions and can help accident victims to build stronger cases against at-fault parties.
