Pedestrian accidents are some of the deadliest accidents in the state of Missouri. Unlike the people in the passenger vehicle, a pedestrian has no protection in an accident. They take the full brunt of the collision, and the results are often deadly. Pedestrians experience a high risk of injuries and fatalities when they’re walking around on busy city streets.
What are the statistics for pedestrian accidents?
An increasing number of people appear to be choosing to walk instead of drive. While this can be good for their health, it might also be related to the increasing number of pedestrian accidents. Pedestrian fatalities have been steadily decreasing over the years with nearly 6,000 people dying in 2017. The amount of pedestrian fatalities has increased by 27% over the past 10 years while the number of car accident fatalities has only increased by 6%.
Some researchers believe that increased cellphone use is a factor in pedestrian accidents. More people are distracted by their phones when they’re walking across the road, and the results can be fatal. Some people also use earbuds, which can block out sound and make it harder for them to avoid traffic. Distracted driving may also play a role, which has led to numerous personal injury lawsuits.
To combat the issue, some cities have made it illegal for citizens to wear headphones or look at their phones while they’re walking across the street. Other cities have added extra safety features to protect pedestrians like bridges and tunnels.
What should a pedestrian do if they’re injured in an accident?
Victims of pedestrian accidents might wish to hire an attorney to help them seek the compensation for their injuries that they deserve. An attorney might be able to prove that the driver was reckless or negligent.