Even though walking is a central part of most cultures, in today’s busy urban landscapes, it is dangerous and scary. The average pedestrian, whether walking along sidewalks or crossing busy intersections, encounters a number of dangers that can cause severe injuries or even deaths. There have been efforts to improve the safety of pedestrians, but pedestrian accidents are still a problem.
The Reality of Pedestrian Accidents
Accidents involving pedestrians are disturbingly common, with thousands occurring every year globally. Several pedestrians incur injuries that range from minor ones to life-threatening conditions. These accidents can be overwhelming for victims, affecting them physically, financially, and emotionally.
Having a knowledgeable and experienced lawyer can make all the difference when dealing with a pedestrian accident claim. The pedestrian accident lawyer can offer expert guidance throughout the legal proceedings.
Comprehending the risks that pedestrians face is essential for communities and individuals to properly address these challenges. Although walking may seem like an ordinary activity, the reality is far from it. From distracted drivers to poorly designed infrastructure, pedestrians face numerous risks that are mostly not noticed. They are mentioned in the sections below.
- Distracted Drivers
Given the increased number of smartphones and in-car entertainment systems, drivers tend to be more distracted than ever. Making calls, texting, or even changing music can take the drivers’ attention away from the road, increasing the risk of accidents.
As per the World Health Organization, distracted driving is the leading cause of road traffic fatalities all over the world, with pedestrians being among the most helpless victims.
- Speeding Vehicles
Vehicles that break speed limits threaten pedestrians, mostly in urban areas with congested streets. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, speeding is a factor in nearly one-third of all traffic fatalities in the US. When drivers go beyond the speed limit, they have a shorter time to respond to sudden obstacles, increasing the likelihood of causing pedestrian accidents.
Furthermore, higher speeds also cause severe injuries when collisions happen, making speeding a deadly cause for pedestrian accidents.
- Unsafe Crosswalks and Intersection Design
Crosswalks and intersections are meant to provide safe passage for pedestrians, but they fail to do so when they are not properly maintained. Inadequately designed crosswalks with unclear traffic signals can put pedestrians’ lives at risk.
In some cases, crosswalks are set too far apart, forcing pedestrians to jaywalk.
Some sidewalks may have insufficient lighting, making walking dangerous at night. Also, intersections with high traffic volumes and complicated layouts can be exhausting for pedestrians to maneuver safely.
- Lack of Pedestrian Infrastructure
In numerous parts of the world, there’s a need for pedestrian infrastructure to be improved. Narrow sidewalks force pedestrians to share the road with vehicles. Sometimes, sidewalks may have uneven surfaces or obstacles. Hence, walking becomes hard and hazardous. The lack of designated crossings for pedestrians also forces them to take unnecessary risks when crossing busy streets.
- Unsafe Behavior
While drivers are very much responsible for overall safety, pedestrians are not innocent of risky behavior. Crossing against traffic signals, jaywalking, and ignorance of pedestrian crossings are all common unsafe behaviors that increase the risk of pedestrian accidents. Distractions and phone usage while walking can limit pedestrians’ ability to stay alert to their surroundings, putting them at risk of getting involved in accidents.
Conclusion
The dangers that the average pedestrian encounters are significant. Even though efforts have been made to improve the safety of pedestrians, accidents remain a concern, causing thousands of injuries and fatalities each year globally.
Addressing these dangers needs a concerted effort from communities, individuals, and policymakers to prioritize pedestrian safety, enforce traffic regulations, enhance infrastructure, and promote responsible behavior among pedestrians and drivers.