Pedestrians in Wheelchairs More Likely to Be Involved in Accidents

A recent Georgetown University study has uncovered unsettling information pertaining to pedestrian accidents: pedestrians in wheelchairs are at a higher risk of being killed by a vehicle versus non-wheelchair pedestrians. More than half of these fatal accidents occur at intersections, and men are at a greater risk than women.

Georgetown researchers analyzed data from the Fatality Analysis Reporting System, compiled by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. They also reviewed news coverage of accident fatalities via LexisNexis. Using this information, researchers determined that approximately 528 pedestrian wheelchair users were involved in fatal traffic accidents between 2006 and 2012 in the United States.

Accident Statistics

• Pedestrians in wheelchairs are 36 percent more likely to be killed in a traffic accident versus those who do not use wheelchairs.
• Men who use wheelchairs are five times more likely to be killed in a traffic accident than women; men ages 50 to 64 are at the greatest risk.

Dangerous Intersections

Researchers found that 47.5 percent of fatal traffic accidents involving wheelchair users took place at an intersection. In 39 percent of cases, the intersection lacked proper controls and crosswalks to regulate traffic.

When intersections are not properly designed for pedestrian use or built to accommodate wheelchair users, pedestrians have to use the roadway, placing them in greater danger. To prevent this problem, communities must design and utilize infrastructure that meets Americans with Disabilities Act requirements.

Wheelchair users should be able to trust that their communities are safe and accessible. If your loved one was killed in a fatal pedestrian accident, a personal injury attorney Milwaukee WI at Pitman, Kalkhoff, Sicula & Dentice, S.C. will go after responsible parties in pursuit of the compensation you deserve. Contact us at 877-877-2228 for a free case evaluation.