As a pedestrian, you need to familiarize yourself with the numerous risks you face near traffic. Every year, many pedestrians sustain serious injuries and lose their lives in traffic accidents, and you are particularly vulnerable during an accident when compared to someone riding in a passenger vehicle.
It is also a good idea to go over statistics on pedestrian accidents in order to understand how prevalent these injuries and deaths are, whether you walk near the road every day or encounter pedestrians while driving a vehicle.
Reviewing risk factors associated with pedestrian accidents
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration states that many pedestrian accidents take place as a result of low visibility, drivers failing to yield at crosswalks, intoxicated driving and speeding. Furthermore, some pedestrian accidents occur because of busy traffic and drivers using their phones behind the wheel (or becoming distracted for some other reason).
Data on the consequences of pedestrian accidents
The NHTSA estimates that during 2019, 76,000 pedestrians sustained injuries in traffic accidents. Moreover, these accidents claimed the lives of 6,205 pedestrians. Fatal pedestrian accidents can leave families with permanent emotional pain and serious financial hardships, such as difficulty paying funeral costs. Injured pedestrians often struggle with medical bills, missing work and unbearable physical pain.
If a reckless driver hit you, you need to firmly stand up for your rights. Review the details surrounding the accident and figure out the best course of action. Even though these accidents often cause significant physical pain and mental trauma, try to stay positive and focus on steps you can take to recover.
