There are a couple of conflicting reports regarding what time frame features the most pedestrian accidents. According to a study by Arizona State University, most incidents occur between 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. While that study is outdated, it's one of the most complete ever made on the number of pedestrian crashes that occur nationally.
Interestingly enough, the 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. range is when most of the injuries occur, but not when most pedestrian fatalities take place. This indicates that it's essential to look both ways before crossing the street, even outside those peak hours. Poor lighting may not be the main issue during this time frame. However, inclement weather and heavy traffic could also contribute to making those hours dangerous. Schuerger Shunnarah Trial Attorneys can also answer questions like What are the most common causes of pedestrian accidents?
Most Pedestrian Fatalities Occurred During Low Visibility Hours
Most pedestrian accidents occur when a driver can't yield in time to stop the collision. More injuries happen between 3 and 6 p.m. due to the number of cars and people on the road. Since the sun tends to be up during that time slot, drivers are still more likely to stop in time to prevent even more damage to pedestrians.
There are two time slots where pedestrians seem more at risk of serious injury or death. According to the Arizona State study, pedestrian deaths were more likely to occur between 5:30 and 11 p.m. That time slot would be consistent with poor visibility hours and times of the day with significant traffic on the road.
More recent studies show that fatal pedestrian accidents are more common between 3 a.m. and 6 a.m. Low visibility can still be the major cause of these accidents in each of these time slots. Deaths are still more common rural than in urban areas.
Where Is A Pedestrian Accident More Likely?
Most accidents involving pedestrians happen away from areas that many people would assume are the most dangerous. Think of a marked crosswalk in the middle of a busy urban area. Many cars are passing by, with a ton of people walking through the street as well.
Ironically, though, it's more likely to be hurt as a rural pedestrian than in an urban landscape. It's also less likely that a pedestrian will sustain a major injury near marked crosswalks. Statistically, most fatalities occur on open roads.
Elderly pedestrians for their part are sadly more prone to becoming traffic fatalities. They should defiantly avoid walking at nighttime. Using non intersections to cross streets makes these people even more vulnerable.
Factors Contributing to Pedestrian Injuries and Fatalities
The majority of pedestrian accidents occur due to some type of driver error. Speeding is widely considered a main factor contributing to serious injuries. Another factor would certainly have to be the presence of drunk drivers on the road.
These drivers are typically on the road during low visibility hours, making things even harder on them. Distracted driving has become a bigger issue in the last few years. Many pedestrian accidents happen because the person behind the wheel of a car is responding to a text.
Pedestrians themselves can also be blamed in some situations. Unfortunately, many of the accidents that occur in rural areas, where most pedestrian injuries happen, do so because people walk down narrow roads with no sidewalks. Unfortunately, most pedestrian deaths happen in rural areas, and the lack of infrastructure is a big reason for this.
Preventive Measures To Avoid Pedestrian Accidents
There are different things that both drivers and pedestrians can do to prevent accidents from happening. Drivers must obey traffic laws above all things while out on the road. Something like trying to race past a yellow light through a pedestrian crossing area increases the chance of an accident happening.
Drivers who keep their blood alcohol content levels within the legal limit also prevent fatal pedestrian accidents just by doing that. People distracted behind the wheel may be more likely to ignore traffic signals and other indications. Texting and driving is virtually as dangerous as drinking and driving these days.
Fewer pedestrian fatalities occur when people are crossing the street in the designated areas. Apart from using pedestrian crossings, people walking on the road should be sure to stay within well-lit areas. In spite of being within these well-lit places, pedestrians should never assume that a car has already seen them.
Another idea that's been mentioned is to wear bright colors. This can provide drivers a better chance of seeing the person walking, especially in some of the rural areas that don't feature proper crosswalks and can be more dangerous for pedestrians.
Using the sidewalks whenever possible is also a great way to prevent accidents. That doesn't mean that more pedestrians would benefit from using bike lanes. There's a difference between the two that can create a particular problem that's different from what's been talked about so far. Schuerger Shunnarah Trial Attorneys can also answer questions such as Do pedestrians always have the right of way in Tennessee?
Pedestrian Accident Victims May Have a Case Against a Negligent Driver
The law in Tennessee is written to protect pedestrians. This means that pedestrians who used the crosswalk but were still hit by a car and sustained injuries will almost always receive full compensation. Even if it seems like an open and shut case, it's still essential to hire the right attorney to ensure that full compensation is provided.
What happens in situations where pedestrians may have been jaywalking or not facing traffic as they made their way down the road? Can they still expect to receive full compensation for their injuries in these situations? That will depend on their ability to convince a jury that the driver was distracted or may have had too much to drink.
Pedestrians who may not have taken the necessary preventive measures to keep the accident from happening can still have compelling cases. In Tennessee, when serious pedestrian injuries occur in an accident, the person typically receives full compensation even if they were partially to blame for the incident. When fatal pedestrian accidents occur, it's even more likely that the family will receive full and fair compensation.
Final Thoughts
Many pedestrian injuries could be avoided if pedestrians were a little more proactive with their own safety. Walking towards the incoming motor vehicles is a counterintuitive thing to do. However, it's easier for one person to move out of the way than to move an entire vehicle. Wearing bright clothing, can also help pedestrians walking in dark urban areas.
When a pedestrian accident occurs, drivers and pedestrians will benefit from calling a pedestrian injury lawyer in Nashville. One of the biggest mistakes that people can make after being in a pedestrian accident is not making that call. As with any case, it's important to collect evidence; in these situations, evidence goes cold quickly. This makes building the case an urgent matter.
Even victims of pedestrian accidents who feel entitled to full compensation morally should get help from the right legal team. There's a full process that takes place to reach that full compensation. Getting timely help can go a long way towards achieving that goal.