Everyone has different preferences when it comes to choosing transportation. Everyone, however, is a pedestrian at some point.
Between the years 2000 and 2009, an average of 6,067 pedestrians and bicyclists were killed on U.S. roads and highways due to collisions with other modes of transportation. Of these deaths, private cars and trucks hit a total of 4,930 individuals, commercial carriers hit a total of 545 individuals, and commercial users that were not traveling on highways hit 592 individuals.
Pedestrian accident statistics from the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) Traffic Safety Facts show that in 2012, a total of 4,743 individuals were killed in traffic accidents throughout the country, and another 76,000 individuals sustained injuries. These figures show a respective 6.4 and 10 percent increase compared to pedestrian fatalities and injuries the previous year.
These numbers mean that in 2012, an average of one pedestrian was killed in a traffic accident every two hours, and another pedestrian was injured roughly every seven minutes. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also reported that compared to passenger vehicle occupants, pedestrians were 1.5 times more likely to be killed in a traffic accident.
In 2013, the total number of pedestrian fatalities decreased by 2 percent from the previous year. Although there is a general downward trend in terms of overall pedestrian fatalities resulting from motor vehicle crashes over the past few decades, they still comprise over a tenth of all traffic accident fatalities. All in all, nearly 15 percent of the annual average highway fatalities are comprised of pedestrians and bicyclists, with over 90 percent of pedestrian fatalities occurring from collisions by cars and light trucks.
Who Are Killed in Pedestrian Accidents?
Fact sheets from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration give more insight on pedestrian accident victims. Who is most likely to be involved in a pedestrian accident?
- Males comprised 69 percent of pedestrian fatalities, and are more likely to be killed in a crash compared to females in all age groups.
- The average age of pedestrians killed was 46. The average age of pedestrians injured was 35.
- The age group consisting of individuals over 64 years old are more likely to be killed in a crash. Although the elderly are struck less frequently than children, they are more likely to die after being hit.
- Of all age groups, children below 13 years of age have the lowest pedestrian death rate at 4 fatalities per million people.
Where and When Do Pedestrian Accidents Often Occur?
Pedestrian accidents can occur at any place and at any time. There are certain places and times, however, where these accidents are more prevalent.
- A total of 73 percent of pedestrian fatalities occurred in urban areas, where pedestrian activity is concentrated.
- In 2013, 70 percent of pedestrian fatalities occurred on major roads, 25 percent of them occurring at intersections.
- The states with the most pedestrian deaths are California, Florida and Texas.
- Fatality rates are higher during the months of October, November, and December.
- The two days of the year with the highest number of pedestrian fatalities are January 1 and October 31.
- The days with the highest fatality rates are Friday and Saturday, with most fatalities occurring on Saturdays.
- Approximately 32 percent of pedestrian deaths occurred between 8:00 p.m. and 11:59 p.m.
- Compared to any other 3-hour time frame, the number of pedestrian fatalities is highest between 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. The next highest number of fatalities occurs between 9 p.m. and midnight. The lowest number of pedestrian fatalities occurs between the hours of 9 a.m. and noon.
- Although bad weather conditions do not always contribute to pedestrian fatalities, poor light conditions do.
Pedestrian Accident Attorney
If you were injured or lost a loved one in a pedestrian accident, it is crucial that you seek the services of an experienced and knowledgeable pedestrian accident lawyer as soon as possible. An experienced attorney will be able to protect your rights and see to it that you are properly compensated for your injuries and accident-related damages.