According to statistics compiled by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, pedestrians killed in collisions with vehicles have been on the rise since 1996. What are the major causes of such accidents, and when are they most likely to occur?
Roadway crashes
Sunny days bring walkers out, and most car-pedestrian accidents happen on the roadway. Many occur on city streets, but because cities continue to grow, arterial roads are becoming increasingly dangerous. Many suburban areas are densely populated, and walkers are commonplace. Pedestrians are on their way to bus stops, shops, schools and appointments of various kinds. Intersections are hazardous spots for walkers, even when they are navigating marked crosswalks. One of the problems here is a car that is turning left, which is three times more of a threat to a pedestrian than a car that is turning right. Why? Because the parties involved are not looking at each other.
Trouble after dark
Data collected by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety indicates that almost half of all car-pedestrian collisions happen on weekends, and of these, 70 percent happen at night. In less populated areas, there may be poor lighting on roadways, but the timing also suggests that alcohol has a role to play in nighttime accidents, especially those that occur on weekends.
About quiet cars
If you were out working in your front yard or walking your dog down the street, you may have been startled by the sudden appearance of a car you never heard coming. Hybrids and battery-operated vehicles are remarkably quiet. In fact, the NHTSA reports that quiet cars are 50 percent more likely than traditional cars to strike walkers, especially in residential areas where the speed limit is 35 miles per hour or lower.
A word of caution
It is hoped that you will never be struck by a vehicle when you are out walking. However, if you should become a victim, seek medical care promptly, even if your encounter with the car was minimal. Your wellbeing is at stake, and so is the amount of insurance compensation you are due if you have sustained injuries.