The number of crashes involving pedestrians is on the rise in Ohio. According to Columbus police and other agencies, a disturbing trend is occurring in the state. More pedestrians are being struck by vehicles, often causing horrible injury. In one recent car accident, a woman was killed on March 5 when she was hit by a car near the Eastland Mall.
A few days later, on March 9, a man was struck by a vehicle while crossing the street; he died the following day. Authorities are concerned that pedestrian accidents are happening so often. In 2014 and 2015, 12 people were killed in pedestrian vs car accidents. In 2016, that number rose to 21, and the problem is not limited Columbus. Across the state, 139 people died after being struck by a vehicle in 2016, the highest number of such deaths in 10 years.
Alcohol and drugs play a big part in this problem, with DUIs accounting for a third of these accidents. Distracted driving is another problem. Drivers who are texting or are otherwise distracted are a danger to themselves and others in or near the roadway. Low visibility is another contributing factor, along with pedestrians not paying adequate attention to their surroundings.
The state of Ohio is making plans to increase visibility at crosswalks and take other precautions to lower the number of pedestrian deaths. In cases where a person has suffered injury, or a loved one has died from a pedestrian vs car accident, an experienced personal injury lawyer can help. He or she can guide the victim, or victim’s family, through the claims process to seek reimbursement for medical bills, time lost from work and other monetary damages caused by the accident.
Source: abc6onyourside.com, “Fatal pedestrian crashes up in Columbus and Ohio“, Bryant Maddrick, March 20, 2017