Pennsylvania Pedestrian Injuries
Two recent incidents highlight the issue of pedestrian accidents in Pennsylvania. New technologies may help prevent some types of pedestrian accidents in the future.
December 29, 2010
Pennsylvania Pedestrian InjuriesRecently, a man walking on I-80 in Stroud, Pennsylvania was hit by a motor vehicle. He was flown to the hospital in critical condition. Another pedestrian accident occurred in Brookline, Pennsylvania when a pedestrian was fatally struck by a van.
These two incidents highlight the issue of pedestrian safety in Pennsylvania. In 2008, there were 137 pedestrian fatalities in Pennsylvania and 4,378 nationwide, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
Although nationally this represents a 16 percent decrease since 1998, it is still an issue that warrants continued attention -- especially considering that almost one fifth of children ages five to nine who are killed in traffic-related accidents were pedestrians.
Pedestrian Back-Over Accidents
Many of these fatal pedestrian-child accidents are due to cars backing over them. As a result, NHTSA has proposed to prevent pedestrian injuries, particularly in children, by expanding the required field of view in vehicles. To meet these standards, automakers may begin installing more rear-view cameras; such cameras are already becoming common in luxury SUVs and sedans.
Rear-view cameras serve to prevent back-over accidents caused by blind spots, or areas not visible from the driver's seat. These blind spots can be significant, ranging from 15 to 50 feet. This amount of space easily obscures a child, or even an adult, from the driver's view.
Back-over accidents claim almost 300 fatalities and 18,000 injuries every year. Roughly 44 percent of light-vehicle accidents involve children. Seniors are another high-risk group, comprising about a third of fatalities.
NHTSA's proposed rule requires 10 percent compliance by September 2012, working up to 100 percent compliance by September 2014.
If you have been the victim of a pedestrian accident you should contact an experienced personal injury lawyer. An attorney can evaluate any potential claims you may have, and work to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
Article provided by Hal Waldman & Associates
Visit us at www.waldmaninc.com