PKSD Newsletter: Pedestrians Pay the Price of Distracted Driving

Posted on behalf of Jeff Pitman on May 10, 2017 in Car Accidents
Updated on February 24, 2022

pedestrian hit by texting driverIn this month’s issue of the PKSD newsletter, our personal injury lawyers discuss the dangers pedestrians face from distracted drivers.

The number of fatal pedestrian-related auto accidents has increased significantly in recent years.

Between 2014 and 2015, pedestrian deaths increased by 10 percent and the number of bicyclists killed by drivers rose by 13 percent, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

The Governors Highway Safety Association estimated that nearly 6,000 pedestrians were killed in traffic accidents during 2016, an 11 percent increase from 2015’s numbers.

Experts Debate Cause of Rising Pedestrian Deaths

The exact cause of the rising pedestrian fatality rate remains unknown.

A common theory among safety advocates is that recent economic improvements have led to more cars on the nation’s roadways. There has also been an increase in more people walking to work or for recreation.

Both of these groups, according to traffic safety experts, are susceptible to distractions. Walkers, just like drivers, can be distracted by cellphones and other electronics. These distractions increase the risk of fatal accidents.

However, most efforts to prevent distraction-related accidents are focused on motorist and passenger behavior rather than the actions of pedestrians and bicyclists.

Children are the Leading Victims of Pedestrian-Auto Deaths

Unfortunately, children have been cited as the age group with the highest number of pedestrians killed in auto accidents.

Many of the at-risk activities that cause fatal pedestrian traffic accidents, like walking and talking/texting on a cellphone or listening to music by using earphones, are often committed by children.

Unintentional pedestrian traffic injuries are the fifth leading cause of death among children ages five to 19. Teenagers are especially susceptible to fatal pedestrian accidents and account for 50 percent of all pedestrian deaths in the U.S.

Tips for Pedestrian Safety

Walking and bicycling are both healthy and fun forms of exercise and recreation with several benefits.

This is why our newsletter includes several safety tips you can follow to ensure you and your loved ones are safe from an accident caused by negligence.

We encourage you and your loved ones to look both ways before crossing a busy street or intersection and to make sure drivers are aware of your presence. You should also refrain from engaging in any distractions if you are in an unsafe location, and never use a cellphone or electronic device while walking or biking.

You can learn more about pedestrian safety by subscribing to the PKSD newsletter.

If you are in need of an experienced after a pedestrian-auto accident, call 877-877-2228.

Back to top