Study Examines the Growing Prevalence of Pedestrian Accidents

 Posted on December 20, 2016 in Car Accidents

Because they have such a high prevalence of fatality, pedestrian accidents have always been a major area of concern. In fact, many states and cities have implemented awareness initiatives, new and updated traffic control devices, and stricter laws to protect their pedestrian citizens. Yet the growing problem shows that the issue is getting worse instead of better. A recent study attempted to understand why, despite all efforts, the prevalence of pedestrian accidents seems to be growing. They also looked at possible pedestrian accident risk factors and the losses that victims may experience.

How Big Is the Problem?

In the year 2004 alone, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported more than 70,000 pedestrian injuries and more than 4,600 pedestrian deaths. On average, that means that one pedestrian is killed every 113 minutes, and every eight minutes, one is injured. In Wisconsin, specifically, pedestrian fatalities account for approximately 9 percent of all annual traffic fatalities (about 60 per year) and around 350 are seriously injured. That averages out to about one pedestrian death or injury in Wisconsin every five hours.

Children and Elderly Most Vulnerable

A shocking percentage of pedestrian accidents and injuries are sustained by either children or the elderly. In fact, pedestrian accidents remain the second leading cause of unintentional, injury-related death among youths, and around 30 percent of all non-fatal pedestrian accident injuries are sustained by children aged 15 or younger. Older pedestrians, particularly those over the age of 65, are at a somewhat lower risk for experiencing a pedestrian accident, but they have a much higher risk of mortality. In fact, they account for about 16 percent of all pedestrian casualties each year.

Other Pedestrian Accident Risk Factors

There are other factors that increase the risk of pedestrian accidents. Among them is the presence of pedestrians in the streets after dark. Impaired vision for drivers coupled with the increased risk of there being intoxicated drivers on the road are said to attribute to the increased likelihood of pedestrian accidents during this time period. Also, around 18 percent of all fatal pedestrian accidents involved a driver who was intoxicated at the time of the crash.

Potential Losses Experienced by Pedestrian Accident Victims

Pedestrian accident victims may experience a number of losses that may range anywhere from fatality to time away from work while healing. They may incur expensive medical bills or could experience complete financial devastation. Some also suffer from permanent or long-lasting injuries that hinder their ability to ever return to work and enjoy the things they used to love. Their family may suffer excessive and undeserved stress, or they may be left to grieve the loss of a loved one. Whatever the loss, these victims have the right to pursue compensation.

Contact Our Milwaukee Pedestrian Accident Injury Lawyers

At Gimbel, Reilly, Guerin & Brown, LLP we stand up for the rights of pedestrian accident victims and their families. We protect their interests and futures, serving as compassionate allies in their pursuit for justice. In every case, we seek the most compensation possible. If you or someone you love has been killed or injured in a pedestrian accident, contact our seasoned Milwaukee pedestrian accident lawyers for a consultation today. Call 414-271-1440.

Sources:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2859736/

http://wisconsindot.gov/Documents/safety/education/crash-data/2013/wtcf.pdf

http://wisconsindot.gov/Pages/safety/education/pedestrian/injuries.aspx