There is a new study that looks at the impact of distractions on pedestrian accidents in Phoenix and elsewhere over the last decade.
The vast majority of these accidents were the fault of drivers — distracted or otherwise. Distracted pedestrians accounted for only 120 of the 48,000 pedestrian fatalities from 2000 to 2009, according to Transportation For America.Overall, the number of fatal pedestrian accidents has roughly tripped in the last six years. Distracted driving car accidents took the lives of roughly 3,100 people in 2010. Distracted pedestrian accidents took the lives of about 120 people in the studied 8-year time period.
Our Phoenix pedestrian accident lawyers understand the truth of the matter is that these kinds of accidents are most oftentimes the fault of the drivers that are involved. Distracted pedestrians contributed to less than 1 percent of the recorded fatalities from 2000 to 2009.
We understand that it’s never a good idea to travel, whether by foot or by vehicle, while engaging in distractions. To help to steer clear of dangerous drivers, pedestrians are asked to place their full attention on the roadway and on passing traffic.
What is most likely the top contributor to fatal pedestrian accidents is motorists not paying attention. Some also believe that the condition of our roadways is also a factor. You’re most likely to die in an accident while walking along a state highway, busy arterial street or other type of busy roadway that’s eligible to receive federal money for safety measures. The lack of sidewalks and safe crossings is arguably one cause for fatal pedestrian accidents in Arizona and elsewhere.
To help to reduce the risks of pedestrian accidents, the Arizona Department of Transportation shares its “Sharing The Road With Pedestrians Pamphlet” for drivers and pedestrians to review.
Tips for Drivers to Better Protect Pedestrians:
-Slow down when you see pedestrians.
-Slow down where pedestrians are likely to travel.
-Curb distractions and place all of your attention onto the roadway.
-Obey the signals at a pedestrian hybrid beacon.
-Always use your turn signals so that pedestrians know where your vehicle is going to go.
-Use the horn only when necessary.
-Be extra cautious nearly child pedestrians and in school zones and residential neighborhoods.
-Reduce your speed when approaching a stop sign, a traffic light, a crosswalk or a roundabout.
-Always yield to pedestrians in a crosswalk. Pedestrians have the right-of-way in these areas.
-Be on the lookout for pedestrians when driving in parking lots.
-Remember that a 3,000 vehicle can do a lot of damage to properly and to a pedestrian, even when traveling at 5 miles per hour.
If you or someone in your family has been injured in a pedestrian accident in Arizona as a result of a collision with a motor vehicle, contact us online or call (866) 99-ABELS for a free consultation. You may be entitled to compensation for your injuries, and there are no lawyer fees unless a recovery is made on your behalf.
More Blog Entries:
ADOT Reviews School Zone Safety to Help Reduce Risks of Bicycle and Pedestrian Accidents in Arizona, Phoenix Injury Lawyer Blog, January 16, 2012
Make Your New Year’s Resolution to Reduce Risks of Pedestrian and Bicycle Accidents in Phoenix, Phoenix Injury Lawyer Blog, January 8, 2012