What are the Main Causes of Pedestrian Accidents?

two figured walking on a crosswalk with a speeding vehicle nearing them

Some of the most tragic accidents involve pedestrians struck by vehicles. Pedestrians are much more likely to sustain serious, and sometimes fatal, injuries in these cases and it is no wonder as to why. Pedestrians have no protections that someone in a car is afforded. Plus, the sheer size and weight of a vehicle in comparison to a pedestrian means that the force of impact can wreak havoc on the pedestrian’s body. If you are one of the many Americans who enjoy outdoor running and walking, either as a way to exercise, commute, or simply to enjoy the great outdoors, be safe out there. Here are some of the main causes of pedestrian accidents.

What are the Main Causes of Pedestrian Accidents?

Many of the main causes of pedestrian accidents involve motorists violating the rules of the road. Speeding, for instance, is a common cause of pedestrian accidents. Speeding means that a driver has less time to react to the presence of a pedestrian. It also means that the force of impact is going to be more severe and more likely to end in tragedy for the pedestrian in particular. 

In addition to speeding, driving too fast considering the totality of the driving circumstances is also a common cause of pedestrian accidents. For instance, speed should be reduced when it is raining. Raining impacts visibility on the roadway as well as the amount of time a car needs to effectively slow down or stop. The slick road caused by the rain causes this.

Poor weather conditions in general play a frequent role in pedestrian accidents. Whether it is rain, snow, sleet, or hail, severe weather patterns can be especially dangerous for pedestrians who find themselves outside at times like these. Drivers have limited visibility. The wet or icy road conditions can lead to hydroplaning and motorists losing control of their vehicles, all of which can be dangerous for drivers, passengers, and pedestrians alike.

Nighttime can prove especially dangerous for pedestrians. Reduced visibility again comes into play. The dangers of being a nighttime pedestrian can be compounded when vehicles fail to use their headlights and when pedestrians are wearing dark clothes. When vehicles do use their headlights, however, they can shine in pedestrian’s eyes, impairing their vision, which can also be dangerous.

Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is another common cause of pedestrian accidents. Drugs and alcohol can impair a driver’s judgment as well as his or her ability to quickly react should the need arise. Pedestrians who are under the influence of drugs or alcohol are also at a greater risk of being involved in an accident for the same reasons.

Lastly, one of the most common contributing factors to pedestrian accidents is the failure of motorists to yield the right of way. A pedestrian or vehicle having the right of way means that they are given precedence to proceed first in a particular situation. This often occurs at crosswalks where a pedestrian is signaled that they have the right of way to proceed in crossing the street. Crosswalk or not, it is far from common for motorists to proceed regardless of a pedestrian having the right of way, usually because the motorist does not see the pedestrian in the crosswalk despite any markings trying to make the motorist aware of the possibility. A driver not paying attention can all too easily make a right turn directly into a pedestrian trying to cross the street.

Los Angeles Personal Injury Attorneys

Pedestrians and drivers, let’s all try to keep each other safe by complying with the rules of the road and being vigilant in paying attention to our surroundings. If you are injured on the road, the team at Compass Law Group is here to help. Contact us today.

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