A pedestrian is defined as anyone using the sidewalks or roadways that is not in a motorized vehicle. This includes people who are walking, jogging, running, bicycling, skateboarding as well as similar activities.
According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), there were over 131,000 people critically injured as a pedestrian in 2017 (the last year data was available) and almost an additional 6,000 people killed as a result of a pedestrian accident. The report further shows that 20 percent of all pedestrian accidents involve a person 65 or older.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) states that over 25 percent of all pedestrian accidents occur between the hours of 6 and 9 pm. The NHTSA report also states that the only exception to this time frame is during the summer months when the highest rate of pedestrian accidents happens between 9 pm and midnight.
The most common causes of pedestrian accidents include:
- Alcohol – either the driver or the pedestrian being under the influence
- Failure to obey traffic laws at intersections
- Environmental factors
- People darting out between cars
Of course, there are many reasons that a pedestrian accident can occur. If you or your loved one has been harmed in a pedestrian accident, you are encouraged to speak with a personal injury attorney about your case.
Preventing Pedestrian Accidents in Pompano Beach, FL
Although a majority of all pedestrian accidents are the direct result of negligent actions by the driver of the vehicle, there are things you can do to help protect yourself.