In 2019, 6,205 pedestrians were killed in vehicle collisions. That averages out to a pedestrian death every 85 minutes over the course of the entire year. While pedestrians must work to stay visible and attentive, it is up to the drivers of motor vehicles to ensure the safety of everyone involved.
At some point in the day, everyone is a pedestrian. Whether you are walking to complete local errands, jogging alongside the road or walking from your car through the parking lot, pedestrians are at the mercy of cars and trucks for their safety. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recommends numerous tips and tactics that drivers can use to support pedestrian safety, including:
- Yield to pedestrians in crosswalks and stop well before the intersection to give other vehicles room to see and stop for pedestrians.
- Never pass a stopped vehicle at a crosswalk
- Carefully clear all directions to ensure there is no pedestrian traffic when turning right on red
- Avoid distractions
- Avoid driving while impaired by drugs, alcohol or prescription medication
- Use extra caution when driving through a parking lot or multi-level parking structure
- Use extra caution when driving in challenging conditions such as darkness, rain or fog
In a motor vehicle collision, pedestrian involvement typically results in catastrophic injuries. Individuals struck by a car or truck can suffer brain trauma, spinal cord damage, broken bones, paralysis, cartilage damage and amputation. Severe collisions can lead to fatalities. If you were injured or have lost a loved one in a pedestrian collision, it is crucial that you discuss your case with an experienced legal professional.