Pedestrian Safety Month 2023

Walking is one of the simplest and most beneficial forms of exercise. It has numerous health benefits, can save you money on transportation costs, and reduce your carbon footprint. However, walking also comes with certain risks, especially when sharing the road with motor vehicles. 

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there were 7,388 pedestrians killed in traffic crashes in 2021, a 12.5% increase from the 6,565 pedestrian fatalities in 2020. This is the highest rate of pedestrian traffic fatalities in 40 years. 

To improve pedestrian safety and prevent these tragic deaths, the NHTSA and the Federal Highway Administration have designated October as National Pedestrian Safety Month. This is a time to acknowledge the right of everyone to walk and to remind drivers of their responsibility to stay alert for pedestrians, cyclists, and other vulnerable road users.  

Benefits of Walking

There are many health and environmental benefits to walking. According to several experts, walking just 30 minutes a day improves cardiovascular health, strengthens bones, and reduces excess body fat. Walking is a low impact, free, fun, and easy form of exercise that anyone can do. Walking can also lead to healthier and safer streets by encouraging safe speeds.

Here are more reasons to get out and get walking: 

• Helps maintain a healthy weight
• Boosts immune function
• Strengthens joints and bones
• Lowers blood pressure
• Relieves stress
• Reduces risk of chronic diseases 
• Improves sleep
• Raises energy level 

What Are the Main Causes of Pedestrian Accidents?

According to the CDC, speed, vehicle size, location, and alcohol are major risk factors in pedestrian accidents. Higher speeds mean more serious injuries, and make it harder for a driver to stop in time to avoid hitting a pedestrian. This is one of the reasons why the U.S. is requiring all new vehicles to have a more robust pedestrian automatic emergency braking.

Location and the time of day also play a major factor in pedestrian crashes. Most pedestrian deaths occur on roads with posted speed limits of 45-55 miles per hour. Addiotnally, most crashes happen at night when visibility is far more limited. Alcohol impairment, either in the driver or the pedestrian, also leads to a large number of fatalities.

More common causes of pedestrian accidents include:

• Speeding and reckless driving 
• Distracted driving
• Impaired driving
• Failing to yield right of way
• Poor visibility
• Lack of crosswalks 
• Jaywalking
• Bad weather

What Happens If I’m in a Pedestrian Accident?

If you are in a pedestrian accident, you must take certain measures to protect your safety and legal rights.

• Call the police and seek medical attention if you are injured.
• Exchange information with the driver who hit you, such as their name, address, phone number, driver’s license number, vehicle license plate number, and insurance information.
• Get the names and contact details of any witnesses who saw the accident.
• Take pictures or videos of the scene, your injuries, and the damage to the vehicle.
• Do not admit fault or make any statements to anyone, especially the driver or their insurance company, without consulting a pedestrian accident lawyer first.

Compensation for Pedestrian Accident Injuries

If a pedestrian suffers injuries in an auto accident, they may be able to recover their losses in a pedestrian accident lawsuit. The goal of a lawsuit is to recover financial compensation from the at-fault party, who could be a driver, the city or government entity, or a business owner. 

A pedestrian accident victim may be able to claim some of the following types of compensation: 

• Medical expenses: Hospital bills, doctor fees, medication, surgery, therapy, or assistive devices can cause a victim’s medical bills to soar. A pedestrian accident claim can cover past and future medical bills incurred from the injury. 
• Pain and suffering: Serious injuries can result in physical and emotional pain, such as anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), insomnia, or loss of enjoyment of life. 
• Lost wages: If a pedestrian cannot work because of their injury, their pedestrian accident case can include compensation for their lost income. 
• Property damage: Property damage can include items such as clothing, jewelry, cell phone, or bicycle damaged in the accident.

5 Pedestrian Safety Tips

• Look left-right-left and make eye contact with the driver before crossing. 
• Walk on sidewalks when available. If not, walk facing traffic.
• Wear bright or reflective clothing so drivers can easily see you. 
• Watch for cars entering or exiting driveways, entryways, and parking lots. 
• Avoid texting, talking on the phone, or other distractions. 

5 Motorist Safety Tips

• Always yield to pedestrians at crosswalks, and never pass vehicles stopped at crosswalks. 
• Watch out for older pedestrians who need more time crossing the street and use assistive devices such as canes, walkers, or wheelchairs. 
• Slow down and be extra cautious around shopping areas, school zones, and parks. 
• Be alert and aware of pedestrians at night or in bad weather conditions.
• Never drive under the influence of any substance. 

Speak to a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

Pedestrian accidents almost always involve serious injuries, many of which can severely impact a person’s daily life. If you or someone you know was injured by a driver while walking or running, you may be able to recover compensation. An experienced pedestrian accident lawyer can help you claim financial losses from the person who caused you pain. 

The Law Offices of Daniel Kim is one of Orange County’s top personal injury law firms. Daniel and his legal team have successfully won over $300 million for injured victims of auto accidents. We will take your call at absolutely no cost – contact us to schedule your free consultation today.