Pedestrian accident lawyers represent individuals who travel on or near streets and who suffer injuries at the hands of drivers, motorcyclists, or others on the road. It is easy to understand why pedestrians are more at risk of suffering catastrophic injuries when motor vehicles collide with them. What is less clear is how great this risk actually is.
3 Key Pedestrian Safety Studies Every Road User Should Know
Various groups have conducted numerous local and national studies over the years examining the dangers that pedestrians face and the circumstances under which accidents happen. A summary of the most important studies and findings is as follows:
1. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
In 2021, NHTSA reported 7,388 pedestrians were killed in crashes and 60,577 others were injured. Over one-half of pedestrians killed were hit between 6:00 p.m. and 11:59 p.m. Older pedestrians were at a greater risk of death than those in younger age groups.
The number of pedestrians killed by motor vehicles has steadily climbed since 2009. That year, only about 4,000 people on foot were killed in accidents. Since then, however, the raw number of pedestrian fatalities as well as the fatality rate for pedestrians has generally increased from one year to the next.
2. National Safety Council
Approximately 9,076 pedestrians were killed in accidents in 2023 in the United States., That is roughly 756 pedestrian deaths per month. Over 7,000 of these fatalities were reported on or near public streets and roads, while the remainder occurred on private property, in parking lots, or in driveways.
Additionally:
- Eight out of every ten pedestrian deaths occurred in urban areas
- Three-quarters of fatal pedestrian accidents happened away from intersections
- Over one-third of pedestrian fatalities occurred after dark with no artificial or other light present, while about 40% happened after dark but in lighted areas
- More pedestrians died in accidents between Friday and Sunday than during the week
Taken together, this data should cause pedestrians in cities and densely populated areas to exercise greater caution when walking on or near the street. Taking additional precautions at night, such as wearing reflective clothing or carrying a flashlight, can also help reduce the risk of a pedestrian being involved in a fatal accident.
3. Texas Department of Transportation
As one of the nation’s largest and most populous states, it should not surprise anyone that Texas experiences a high number of pedestrian accidents every year. Between 2022 and 2024, the number of total pedestrian accidents has increased from 8,115 to 8,825, even as the number of fatalities has decreased over that same time.
The number of pedestrians who sustain serious injuries in wrecks has also increased between 2022 and 2024.
Behind the Data: What Does It Mean?
Taken together, the above-referenced studies show that, both nationally and in Texas, pedestrians are at an ever-increasing risk of injury and death due to vehicle accidents. This dynamic has several causes, but it means pedestrians must be mindful of their safety at all times. If you are traveling on foot, it is crucial that you exercise additional caution when:
- Traveling after dark, regardless of whether the area you are walking in is lit
- Crossing the street anywhere away from a crosswalk
- Walking in urban areas
- Traveling on foot on the weekends
Despite these high-risk situations, available data also shows that severe or fatal pedestrian accidents can happen anywhere, at any time, and under any lighting conditions.
FAQ
Do Pedestrians Always Have the Right of Way?
Not always. The “right-of-way” is a legal privilege to proceed along one’s current path while on the road ahead of other traffic. Who has the right-of-way can vary from situation to situation and moment to moment. An experienced pedestrian accident lawyer will need to closely examine your case to determine whether you had the right-of-way or not.
Should Pedestrians Use the Crosswalk When Crossing a Street?
Yes. Pedestrians should use a crosswalk if one is available. Pedestrians who are crossing the street generally have the right-of-way as long as they are obeying any traffic signals and are not acting recklessly. If no crosswalk is readily available, pedestrians can cross at any location after yielding to any oncoming traffic.
Do I Have Rights if My Loved One Is Killed in a Pedestrian Crash?
Yes, potentially. In Texas, certain close family members of a decedent can bring a wrongful death lawsuit against a person whose carelessness kills the decedent. There are restrictions and special procedures that apply in these cases, so hiring a skilled and knowledgeable lawyer to help you with such a claim is highly recommended.
Contact Ramsey Law Group Today
Pedestrian accidents can be traumatic events for those involved, but this does not mean you must fend for yourself if you are hurt. Our injury lawyers understand the challenges you can face when trying to recover from a wreck and are dedicated to helping you navigate the path ahead of you.
Contact Ramsey Law Group, schedule a free case consultation with us, and discover how we can partner with you and assist in your recovery.