Pedestrian accident deaths hit 30-year high

Friday August 28, 2020

Cities like New Haven, where college students abound, often have more pedestrians using sidewalks and walkways, especially near campus. For drivers, this means they need to stay alert to everything around them – to avoid accidentally hitting someone. Unfortunately, nationally, the number of fatal pedestrian accidents hit a 30-year high in 2019. Drivers killed 6,590 pedestrians last year, a 5% increase from 2018.

Reasons behind the deadly trend

Some of the reasons more pedestrians are dying in auto accidents include the following:

  1. More drivers are driving larger, heavier vehicles, like pickups and SUVs. So, when a larger, heavier vehicle hits a pedestrian, the pedestrian is more likely to be seriously injured or killed.
  2. Drivers continue to drive distracted behind the wheel, whether texting, using their phone or being overly tired.
  3. More drivers are speeding. With increased speeds comes a greater risk of a pedestrian losing their life in a vehicle accident.
  4. More drivers and walkers are on the roads, leading to more accidents.

How pedestrians can avoid a deadly crash

For pedestrians, following these safety tips can help keep you safe:

  1. Walk on sidewalks and cross the road at intersections and marked crosswalks so that drivers are more aware of where you’ll be.
  2. Wear bright, reflective clothing if walking at dawn, dusk or evening.
  3. Follow all traffic rules.
  4. Stay alert at all times – avoiding using your phone or listening to loud music where you are distracted from what’s around you.
  5. Make eye contact with drivers before you plan to cross the street, so they are aware you’ll be coming in their path.

How drivers can avoid a deadly crash

For drivers, they need to follow these safety tips to avoid a pedestrian crash:

  1. Watch for pedestrians, especially at intersections, crosswalks, school zones or where children may be present.
  2. Avoid distracted driving and drunk driving.
  3. Drive the speed limit, especially in residential areas and downtown areas, where pedestrians are more likely.
  4. Be extra careful when you are backing out of a driveway or coming out of an alley, where you may not notice a pedestrian easily.
Get in Touch

Schedule a Free Initial Consultation

At Kennedy, Johnson, Schwab & Roberge, P.C., we handle all cases on a contingency fee basis. This means that we do not get paid unless and until you receive a settlement or a jury award.

Schedule a free, confidential consultation with a skilled Connecticut personal injury lawyer today.

News & insights
KJSR Recognized as Best Personal Injury Firm in CT - 2024
News

KJSR Recognized as Best Personal Injury Firm in CT - 2024

8

February
2024

Can You File a Claim for Injuries Suffered After a Failure-to-Yield Car Accident?
Articles

Can You File a Claim for Injuries Suffered After a Failure-to-Yield Car Accident?

7

December
2023

What Happens if You Fall at Work? (and What to Do Next)
Articles

What Happens if You Fall at Work? (and What to Do Next)

7

December
2023

4 Steps to Take After a Medical Misdiagnosis
Articles

4 Steps to Take After a Medical Misdiagnosis

15

November
2023

News

KJSR Recognized in 2024 edition of Best Law Firms in America®

2

November
2023

Will a Hit-and-Run Claim Raise My Insurance?
Articles

Will a Hit-and-Run Claim Raise My Insurance?

12

October
2023

Surgical Stapler Injuries: Can You File a Lawsuit?
Articles

Surgical Stapler Injuries: Can You File a Lawsuit?

9

October
2023

Everything You Need to Know Before Filing a Pharmaceutical Lawsuit
Insights

Everything You Need to Know Before Filing a Pharmaceutical Lawsuit

21

September
2023

What Happens if the At-Fault Driver Is Deceased After the Accident?
Articles

What Happens if the At-Fault Driver Is Deceased After the Accident?

18

September
2023

What To Do After a Road Construction Accident
Articles

What To Do After a Road Construction Accident

12

September
2023