Every traffic accident is unique, but many share common traits. For example, many fatal pedestrian accidents occur during the night, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Moreover, a majority of the pedestrians who pass away are male. By reviewing these statistics, pedestrians can identify potential hazards and dangerous situations and decrease the odds of a serious accident occurring.
Tragically, more pedestrians will sustain serious injuries and lose their lives in the coming years because of careless drivers.
Age, location and other fatal pedestrian accident risk factors
The NHTSA reports that older adults are more likely to pass away in pedestrian accidents than other age groups. For example, adults between the ages of 55 and 59 were more likely to lose their lives in pedestrian accidents than other age groups, followed by those between 75 and 79 years old. Moreover, most fatal pedestrian accidents occurred at night and in urban areas. Furthermore, 73 percent of deadly pedestrian accidents did not occur at an intersection in 2017, which highlights how dangerous it is for some pedestrians to walk alongside traffic even if they do not cross the road.
Alcohol and pedestrian fatalities
According to the NHTSA, alcohol was involved in 47 percent of deadly pedestrian accidents during 2017. Sadly, many drunk drivers take to the roads and these reckless drivers are especially likely to collide with a pedestrian due to carelessness. Whether a pedestrian is struck by someone under the influence of alcohol or a driver who is disregarding other traffic laws, they need to stand up for their legal rights and hold the driver accountable.