Older and younger pedestrians particularly at risk on the road

June 13, 2013

While much emphasis is placed on the danger of motor vehicle accidents for those inside the vehicles, a corresponding focus should be placed on the risk of injury and even death to pedestrians. Every year, a large number of people are killed in pedestrian accidents in Tennessee and across the country.

In 2011, pedestrians accounted for 14 percent of all fatalities caused by motor vehicle accidents in the United States. In total, over 4,400 people were killed in pedestrian accidents that year.

Certain demographics -- specifically children and senior citizens -- are most likely to be killed in pedestrian accidents. Although adults over the age of 65 only make up 13 percent of the population in this country, 20 percent of the pedestrian fatalities were senior citizens in 2011.

In addition, children are at risk of being injured or killed in pedestrian accidents. In 2010, 23 percent of pedestrians who suffered personal injuries in motor vehicle accidents were children under the age of 16 -- that age group also accounted for 7 percent of all pedestrian fatalities that year.

Tennessee pedestrians: Protect yourself from traffic collisions

Approximately 1,175 pedestrians were involved in accidents in Tennessee in 2009, according to the Tennessee Department of Safety. Pedestrians in Tennessee should be aware of particular risk factors when walking near a road to protect themselves from dangerous crashes.

According to the London Department for Transport, pedestrians are five times more likely to be killed when cars are driving at 40 mph rather than 30 mph. Only around 1 percent of all pedestrian fatalities occurred on streets with a posted speed limit of 20 mph or under. In contrast, 60 percent of all pedestrian fatalities were on roads with posted limits of 40 mph or above, during the period from 2000 to 2009.

In addition, pedestrians should be aware that marked crosswalks are not necessarily safer than unmarked areas of the road. According to the Federal Highway Administration, pedestrians were actually more likely to be involved in an auto accident when walking in a marked crosswalk on roads with over two lanes. Of course, this does not mean pedestrians ought to avoid marked crosswalks. Rather, they should stay vigilant even when crossing in marked areas.

If you have been injured in a pedestrian accident, you may be entitled to damages to cover medical and other expenses caused by the collision. In such situations, seeking the advice of an experienced personal injury attorney will ensure your rights are protected.

Article provided by Soble, Poss & Moore PLLC
Visit us at www.spmlawfirm.com