Why Certain Pedestrians Are Most at Risk?

Pedestrian safety is a serious concern, especially for certain groups who are more vulnerable on our roads. The two groups most at risk are seniors and children.

If you have been injured, an Atlanta personal injury attorney is here to help you navigate the legal process and secure the compensation you deserve. Now, let’s find out why certain pedestrians are most at risk.

Pedestrians Most at Risk

Seniors (adults 65 and older)

Older adults face higher risks as pedestrians due to several factors, including slower walking speeds that make it harder to cross streets quickly.

Their reduced vision and hearing can affect their ability to spot and react to dangers, and more fragile bones and health conditions that can make injuries more severe.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in 2020, 17% of all pedestrian deaths were seniors, and they had the highest pedestrian fatality rate of any age group.

Children (under 15 years old)

Kids are also at high risk as pedestrians because they’re smaller and harder for drivers to see, they may act unpredictably and dart into traffic, and they might not fully understand traffic rules or danger.

NHTSA statistics show that in 2019, 17% of children under 15 killed in traffic crashes were pedestrians, and nearly one-fifth of all children between ages 5 and 9 killed in traffic crashes were pedestrians.

What factors can contribute to a pedestrian accident?

Many things can lead to pedestrian accidents. Some of the most common factors include the following:

• Distracted driving: Drivers using phones or not paying attention to the road pose a major danger to pedestrians.
• Distracted walking: Pedestrians looking at phones or not watching where they’re going can walk into dangerous situations.
• Alcohol use: Both drunk drivers and intoxicated pedestrians can cause accidents.
• Speeding: Faster cars have less time to stop and can cause more severe injuries due to poor visibility.
• Bad weather, darkness, or poorly lit areas make it hard for drivers to see pedestrians.
• Failure to yield: Drivers not giving right of way to pedestrians at crosswalks or when turning.
• Jaywalking: Pedestrians crossing outside of designated crosswalks or against signals.
• Left turns: Drivers making left turns may not see pedestrians crossing the street they’re turning onto.
• Backing up vehicles: Cars backing out of driveways or parking spots might not see pedestrians behind them.
• Road design: Poorly designed intersections or lack of sidewalks can put pedestrians at risk.

What can drivers do to prevent accidents with pedestrians?

Drivers play a big role in keeping pedestrians safe, and there are some things they should do to keep them safe.

Some of these include the following:

• Always be alert and pay attention to your surroundings, especially in areas with lots of foot traffic. Drive slower in residential areas and near schools or parks where kids might be playing. Always yield to people in crosswalks, even if they’re not at a signal.
• Be extra careful at night by using your headlights and watching closely for people walking in dark clothes. Don’t pass stopped vehicles because they might be stopped for a pedestrian you can’t see. Always check behind your car before reversing, especially in parking lots.
• Avoid distractions by putting away your phone and focusing on driving. Follow speed limits, as they are set for safety reasons, especially in areas with lots of pedestrians. Be patient and give elderly or disabled pedestrians extra time to cross the street.
• Use extra caution in bad weather. Rain or snow can make it harder to see pedestrians and stop quickly. By following these safety tips, you can help protect yourself and others on the road.

What should I do after a pedestrian accident?

If you’re involved in or witness a pedestrian accident, here are the steps you should take:

• Stop immediately and call 911: Ensure you get medical help for anyone who’s hurt. A quick response can significantly improve outcomes for injured pedestrians. Remember, some injuries may not be immediately apparent and could become severe later on.
• Don’t leave the scene: Staying at the scene is required by law and ensures that everyone remains safe until help arrives. Leaving the scene can result in severe legal consequences and hinder the necessary assistance for those injured. Your presence is crucial for providing information to emergency responders and law enforcement.
• Check on the pedestrian: Offer help if you can, but don’t move them unless they’re in immediate danger. Moving someone with serious injuries could make things worse.
• Move to a safe area: If possible, move to the side of the road to avoid causing additional accidents. Ensure it’s safe to move vehicles before doing so, as this can help prevent further incidents and allow traffic to flow smoothly. Always prioritize safety for yourself and others when moving to a secure location.
• Gather information: Exchange contact and insurance information with everyone involved. This will be necessary for insurance claims and any legal proceedings.
• Talk to witnesses: Get contact information from anyone who saw what happened. Their accounts can be crucial for understanding how the accident occurred. Give them your contact too.
• Take photos: If it’s safe, take pictures of the accident scene, vehicles involved, and any injuries. These can serve as important evidence later.
• Don’t admit fault: Even if you think you caused the accident, don’t say so. Admitting fault can affect the legal investigation and your liability.
• File a police report: Give the officers an honest account of what happened. A police report will be a key document in any legal or insurance-related follow-up.
• Seek medical attention: Even if you feel fine, some injuries might not show up right away. Getting a medical check-up ensures that all injuries are documented and treated promptly.

How can a pedestrian accident lawyer help me?

A pedestrian accident lawyer can greatly assist if you’re hurt in such an accident. Spaulding Injury Law Atlanta Personal Injury & Car Accident Lawyer will help. Contact us at (770) 744-0890 or online.

We will explain your rights, investigate the accident, and deal with insurance companies to secure fair compensation. We’ll also calculate damages, handle legal paperwork, represent you in court, and work to prove fault. By building a strong case, we will maximize your compensation and provide peace of mind.

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