Pedestrian Accidents on the Rise
Between Thanksgiving and New Year’s the increase in holiday travelers leads to a higher number of car accidents. Though these car accidents are well documented and excessively reported, little attention is given to the pedestrian accidents that also occur during this period. Reports have found that pedestrian accidents that occur during holiday seasons are on the rise.
Pedestrian Accident Causes
The most commonly reported causes of pedestrian accidents during the holiday season are distracted drivers and impairment. Children are at especially high risk of being injured by a distracted driver since their smaller size makes it difficult for drivers to see them under the best of conditions. Driving while texting, reading email, or using a GPS can all distract a vehicle’s operator during a crucial moment leading to a pedestrian being injured or killed. In early December a Clearwater teacher was charged after he drove onto a sidewalk while playing PokemonGo. He hit two pedestrians before fleeing the scene.
During the holiday season, impairment is another contributing factor to the increase in pedestrian-related accidents. Drivers who drink on Thanksgiving weekend and New Year’s Eve (the periods with the highest number of reported DUI arrests) have a greater chance of hitting a pedestrian. Motor vehicle accidents involving pedestrians are especially common on New Year’s Eve when large numbers of people are walking to various events and intoxicated drivers are placing everyone on or near the road at risk.
Pedestrian Accident Statistics
Each year over 150,000 pedestrians are treated for non-life threatening motor vehicle related accidents. The number of annual pedestrian fatalities is quickly approaching 5,000, with the highest number of deaths occurring in January. Currently, pedestrian fatalities are at the highest they have been since 1996, increasing approximately 10 percent since the previous year. The majority of these accidents occur in urban areas and over 70 percent of pedestrian accidents take place after sunset.
Nearly 600 pedestrian deaths occurred in Florida making the state the second highest state reporting motor vehicle accidents resulting in a pedestrian fatality.
Let Us Help You with Your Case
Pedestrian accidents often result in severe injuries that require long, and painful, recovery periods. During this time an individual or family can have much difficulty paying for medical expenses and purchasing basic necessities. If you or someone close to you was involved in a pedestrian or motor vehicle accident, Roman & Roman in Clearwater, Florida can help. A knowledgeable pedestrian accident attorney can assist with recovering lost wages, medical expenses, and ensure that you are adequately compensated for all of your suffering. Contact Roman & Roman today at 877-767-1032 for a free consultation to discuss your needs today.
Resources:
crashstats.nhtsa.dot.gov/Api/Public/ViewPublication/812349
nbc-2.com/story/34126137/pedestrian-struck-and-killed-in-fort-myers
wfla.com/2016/12/18/distracted-driver-playing-video-game-drives-up-on-sidewalk-in-dunedin
cdc.gov/motorvehiclesafety/pedestrian_safety/
