Pedestrian injuries and fatalities are an unfortunate consequence of auto accidents. Fatalities resulting from pedestrian accidents account for a larger portion of all crashes today than ever before. According to a recent study by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 25% of all traffic fatalities in New Jersey are pedestrian fatalities. The nationwide data paints a broader picture in which pedestrians are injured every eight minutes on average. These alarming statistics show no sign of yielding as the study confirms that reported pedestrian fatalities rose 4% from 2009 to 2010.
Factors Contributing to Pedestrian Accidents
The NHTSA study found that pedestrian accidents are more common in certain age groups than others. Research compiled in the study compares various age demographics and their respective likelihood to be involved in a pedestrian accident. Elderly pedestrians comprise close to 20% of pedestrian fatalities and an estimated 11% of all pedestrian injuries from auto accidents in 2010. Children also form a large segment of pedestrian injuries with 23% of all injuries affecting children fifteen years old and younger.
The study also presents findings relating gender to pedestrian injury rates. Auto accidents, in 2010, led to a fatality rate of 1.94 and .85 for males and females respectively. Researchers did not speculate as to why the rate of male pedestrians being involved in fatal auto accidents is more than double that of females.
Another important factor analyzed in the study is time of day and how it relates to both pedestrian and auto accidents. Nearly half of all pedestrian fatalities occurred on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, while an astonishing 30% took place between 8 p.m. and 11:59p.m.
Perhaps the most unfortunate factor in auto accidents today is alcohol involvement. Alcohol, whether consumed by the driver or pedestrian, was linked to 47% of auto accidents resulting in pedestrian fatalities. BAC, or blood alcohol content, is a key factor in pedestrian accident rates, as 33% of pedestrians involved in crashes have BAC levels of .08 or higher.
As a reminder to drivers and pedestrians, we urge that you keep yourself safe by following a few rules of thumb. First, pedestrians should wear retro-reflective clothing and carry a flashlight whenever travelling at night. Additionally, when one must enter the street, it is safest to use designated crosswalks and walk facing traffic. For drivers, it is the law to yield the right-of-way to pedestrians crossing streets whether the crosswalk is marked or unmarked in most situations.
Trust the Right Personal Injury Lawyers for your Accident Case – Call the Car Accident Lawyers in Philadelphia at Geoffrey B. Gompers & Associates
The car accident lawyers in Philadelphia of Geoffrey B. Gompers & Associates have extensive experience in pedestrian accident claims and will work diligently to ensure your case receives the highest level of legal counsel. If you have been involved in a pedestrian accident, we will take action on your behalf, such as interviewing witnesses, collecting records, conferring with skilled consultants, planning the legal strategy of your claim, and negotiating with insurance companies and opposing counsel. If necessary, our skilled personal injury lawyers will fight in court seeking the most successful outcome possible for you. For a free consultation to discuss your pedestrian accident case, call our law office at 215-567-6600 to schedule a free consultation or contact us online. Our experienced, knowledgeable personal injury attorneys are available 24 hours a day/7 days a week.