Causes of Pedestrian Injuries and Fatalities
There were an estimated 6,590 pedestrian fatalities in 2019, according to the Governors Highway Safety Association. That represents a 5% increase from 2018, or about 300 additional pedestrian deaths, and the largest number of pedestrian fatalities in the U.S since 1988.
Many factors play a role in pedestrian fatalities. One factor is the increasing popularity of light trucks and SUVs over passenger cars. These larger vehicles generally cause more severe pedestrian impacts than cars. The number of pedestrian fatalities involving light trucks and SUVs increased at a rate of 81% from 2009 to 2018.
Most pedestrian fatalities occur at night when visibility can be impaired. From 2009 to 2018, the number of nighttime pedestrian fatalities increased by 67%, compared to a 16% increase in daytime pedestrian fatalities.
Warmer temperatures may also contribute to pedestrian crashes. Warmer weather may encourage more nighttime outdoor activity such as walking and is also associated with increased alcohol consumption, thus increasing the risk of fatal pedestrian collisions.
Smartphone usage is also a possible factor in the rise of pedestrian fatalities as they pose cognitive and visual distractions for drivers and pedestrians.
Pedestrian injuries may be also related to poorly marked construction zones and unmarked crosswalks.
Additional causes of pedestrian injuries and fatalities include cars turning left, the parties may be looking somewhere else.
Alcohol and drugs may contribute to drunk, impaired driving collisions. Approximately 37% of fatally injured pedestrians have blood alcohol concentrations of at least 0.08%. Intoxicated drivers are involved in approximately 13% of pedestrian collisions.
Pedestrian fatalities have increased 53% over the past decade in the United States. The number of pedestrian fatalities has increased from 4,109 deaths in 2009 to 6,283 deaths in 2018, according to the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA). These statistics reveal more than 2,100 additional pedestrian deaths in 2018 compared with 2009.
In addition to an increase in the number of pedestrian fatalities, pedestrian deaths as a percentage of total motor vehicle crash deaths increased from 12% in 2009 to 17% in 2018. The GHSA reports the last time pedestrians accounted for 17% of total U.S. traffic deaths was 1982.
Arizona and its cities do not have favorable statistics regarding pedestrian injuries, fatalities. Following a collision, a personal injury attorney should be consulted, an investigation of liability, insurance coverages can take place. An accident reconstructionist or other experts may need to be consulted. There should be no fees unless a settlement is obtained.
For more information, call the office of Paul Englander, PLC to speak with a Pedestrian Injury Lawyer Phoenix, AZ residents recommend.
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