Walking near moving vehicles can be very dangerous, especially if a driver does not follow traffic safety guidelines or use common sense. Each year, many pedestrians face serious consequences after a vehicle hits them, and it is critical for all road users to understand how widespread pedestrian accidents resulting in injuries actually are.
In addition to recognizing the prevalence of pedestrian accident injuries, pedestrians and drivers should review risk factors linked to these accidents as well as preventative measures they can take to avoid an accident in the first place.
Pedestrian accident injuries
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that in 2020, nonfatal pedestrian accident injuries led to 104,000 emergency department visits, based on estimates. Aside from debilitating nonfatal injuries, some injuries prove fatal. In 2020, over 7,000 pedestrians died in accidents throughout the U.S.
Various risk factors increase the chances of a pedestrian accident, such as low visibility, walking at night, alcohol and high speeds. In fact, speeding makes pedestrian accidents more likely and also increases the severity of victims’ injuries.
Preventing pedestrian accidents
Pedestrians can lower their chances of becoming injured in an accident by crossing roads at designated intersections and crosswalks, taking a flashlight at night and wearing reflective clothes. Drivers should always remain vigilant when pedestrians are nearby, stay within the speed limit and pay close attention to signs on the road.
Sadly, reckless drivers keep causing accidents that shatter the lives of pedestrians. Due to increased vulnerability in an accident, many pedestrians face debilitating injuries that turn their life upside down.