Pedestrian accidents are a major concern. They result in fatalities and injuries that hugely impact communities and individuals. It is important to understand the main factors that cause pedestrian accidents in order to easily implement effective and preventive strategies.
Whether you or a loved one is a victim of a pedestrian accident, you should consult an experienced lawyer to get help determining liability in a pedestrian accident. This article will discuss the top five critical factors that lead to pedestrian accidents.
Read on to learn about the causes of pedestrian accidents and how to improve pedestrian safety.
Distracted Driving and Walking
Pedestrian accidents occur mainly due to distracted driving and walking. Pedestrians who engage in activities like talking on the phone, having their headphones on, or texting while on the road are more likely to be involved in pedestrian accidents.
Likewise, drivers who eat, use their phones, or multitask while driving have decreased attention. All these factors increase the risk of pedestrian collisions. Pedestrians must be attentive to their surroundings, especially the road. Drivers should follow safe driving practices and shouldn’t engage in activities that distract them.
The Consumption of Drugs and Alcohol
Pedestrians and drivers who are under the influence of alcohol or drugs often cause or are victims of pedestrian accidents. Intoxicated pedestrians may have poor coordination and judgment, which makes them more susceptible to straying towards the road. Inebriated drivers experience impaired vision and reduced reaction times, leading to a higher risk of pedestrian accidents.
Strict enforcement of laws, public awareness campaigns, and education about the dangers of drugs and alcohol contribute to reducing pedestrian accidents.
Not Obeying Traffic Laws
Pedestrians may cross the road with blatant disregard for traffic signals, leading to accidents. Drivers may fail to notice pedestrians or find it hard to swerve away from pedestrians who break traffic laws and step into the road. It is important for drivers and pedestrians to follow all the traffic rules to ensure a safe environment on the roads.
Poor Road Design and Infrastructure
The condition and design of infrastructure play a vital role in pedestrian safety. Poorly maintained sidewalks, insufficient pedestrian crossings, poor lighting, and the absence of barriers increase the risk of accidents. The lack of safe pathways forces pedestrians to walk on busy roads.
It is important for cities to plan pedestrian-friendly infrastructure, which includes proper lighting, designated crosswalks, well-maintained sidewalks, and human barriers.
Click here – Xfinity Internet in Your Area: A Reliable Connection for Seamless Online Experience
Poor Visibility
Lack of visibility is an important factor that contributes to pedestrian accidents, especially during inclement weather conditions or at night. Obscured signage, inadequate street lighting, and pedestrians wearing dark clothing can make it tough for drivers to notice pedestrians, leading to accidents.
Obstructions like overgrown vegetation and parked cars often block a driver’s view. Improving visibility by means of proper lighting and clearing obstructions is important to enhance pedestrian safety.
Final Thoughts
To summarize, pedestrian accidents can be controlled if we take safety measures. We hope our article helped you identify and understand the important factors that contribute to pedestrian accidents.
As a pedestrian, you should follow all the road signs and guidelines to decrease your chances of getting into an accident. Implementing preventive measures for pedestrians ensures a safe future for everyone on the roads.
