According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), almost 5,000 pedestrians are killed each year in vehicle-related accidents. Judging by that number, it is extremely dangerous being a pedestrian.
In the majority of these cases, the driver is the one responsible for causing the accident. However, there are cases where pedestrians are the ones to blame.
Listed below are some of the most common reasons why pedestrian accidents occur, and a few tips on how to prevent accidents from happening in the first place.
Crossing The Street
Now, this is something that each one of us does every day. Crossing the street seems so simple and easy, yet it is the reason why so many pedestrians are killed each year in accidents. The thing is, people have gotten so used to crossing the street, that they simply do not even look left and right anymore. They just quickly check and cross the street. When using your cellphone, or having your headphones on, it may be hard to hear an oncoming vehicle, or move quickly to avoid a passing car or a motorcycle.
The best way to safely cross the street is only at designated crosswalks. Even then, it is highly recommended to double check both left and right side of the road before crossing the street.
If you are a pedestrian who got involved in an accident that was not your fault, contact Kansas City Pedestrian Accident Attorneys and schedule a consultation to learn more about your eligibility to file a claim against the negligent driver.
Probably the second most common reason why so many pedestrians end up killed every year in different accidents is the fact that most of them do not pay attention to their surroundings. They focus on their smartphones, checking social media, reading posts and comments, and are so deeply focused on it that they forget to check around them. At this state, it is easy not to spot an oncoming vehicle or a speeding motorcycle, and by the time the pedestrian realizes what is going on, it is already too late.
When walking, it is okay to listen to the music, but at least lower the volume and keep your focus on your surroundings. That one split second and your reaction could be the difference between staying alive.
According to statistics, vehicles that turn left have a 3 times higher chance of hitting a pedestrian at the (or after) intersection. Reason – both parties are looking in the opposite direction. When crossing the street, pedestrians will look left then right, then keep looking straight, and the car turning left will check left, right, and then keep looking ahead while turning left. Before you know it, the pedestrian will end up in the hospital as a result of an accident.
At Mayer & Rosenberg, P.C. Pedestrian Accident Attorneys in Kansas City advise you to always check both sides, to always cross on marked crosswalks, and not to wear dark clothes at night. For more information on safety, feel free to call us today and schedule a free initial consultation.