In what seems like encouraging news at first glance, pedestrian fatalities in the U.S. have declined for the first time since the pandemic began. While a decline usually signals good news, this is a case where reviewing the numbers with more context is telling.
Despite the recent decrease, the total number of pedestrian deaths remains higher than it was pre-pandemic. While this news might not be worth celebrating just yet, safety officials hope it's the start of an ongoing trend.
Pedestrian accident statistics
According to a report by NPR published by Maine Public Radio, pedestrian deaths in the United States declined 5.4% in 2023 compared to the previous year. Despite this decrease, the total number of pedestrian fatalities, 7,318, remains significantly higher than in 2019.
The reduction in fatalities marks a positive trend, but safety advocates stress that more needs to be done to protect pedestrians. The high number of deaths indicates that pedestrian safety measures must continue to be a priority for policymakers and communities across the nation.
The need for pedestrian safety support
Safety experts attribute the high fatality rates to several factors, including increased vehicle speeds, distracted driving, and insufficient pedestrian infrastructure. Enhanced enforcement of traffic laws and public awareness campaigns are among the strategies recommended to further reduce pedestrian deaths.
Some other safety initiatives include:
- Lowering speed limits: Reducing speed limits in pedestrian-heavy areas can decrease the likelihood and severity of accidents. According to the AAA Foundation, an adult pedestrian struck by a vehicle at 25 mph has about a 10% chance of serious or fatal injury. However, this risk jumps to 75% if the vehicle is traveling at 40 mph.
- Improving infrastructure: Many pedestrian deaths in 2023 occurred at night in areas without sidewalks. So, increasing the availability of sidewalks and improving lighting in pedestrian zones can enhance walking safety and decrease accidents.
- Advanced vehicle technology: Incorporating new technologies in vehicles, such as automatic braking systems, can prevent accidents. Automatic emergency braking (AEB) systems use sensors to detect potential collisions with pedestrians and can apply the brakes if the driver does not react in time.
Why pedestrian accidents happen
Pedestrian accidents can occur for various reasons, often resulting in serious injuries or fatalities. Some common factors that contribute to pedestrian accidents include:
- Distracted driving: Drivers not paying full attention to the road due to texting, talking on the phone, or other distractions can easily miss seeing pedestrians.
- Speeding: Higher vehicle speeds reduce the reaction time for drivers and increase the severity of accidents, making it harder to stop in time to avoid hitting a pedestrian.
- Failure to yield: Drivers who do not yield the right of way to pedestrians at crosswalks or intersections can cause dangerous collisions.
- Impaired driving: Drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs have impaired judgment and slower reaction times, making it more difficult to avoid pedestrians.
- Poor visibility: Low visibility due to weather conditions, nighttime driving, or inadequate street lighting can prevent drivers from seeing pedestrians in time to stop.
- Lack of pedestrian infrastructure: The absence of sidewalks, crosswalks, and pedestrian signals makes it unsafe for pedestrians to navigate roadways.
- Left-turning vehicles: Accidents often occur when drivers are making left turns at intersections and fail to notice pedestrians crossing the street.
- Parking lot accidents: Pedestrian accidents frequently happen in parking lots due to the high volume of both vehicles and pedestrians, often moving unpredictably.
- Reversing without looking: Drivers who do not see pedestrians while reversing their vehicles can cause serious accidents, especially in driveways and parking lots.
Get the compensation you deserve with a Maine pedestrian accident lawyer
If you were severely injured after being hit by a car in a pedestrian accident, you deserve compensation for your injuries and related losses. However, getting compensated fairly is often easier said than done.
The insurance company for the at-fault party may offer a lowball settlement that is not nearly enough to cover your accident-related expenses. An experienced pedestrian accident attorney from our law firm knows how to counter the insurance company's tactics and can fight for the maximum compensation you deserve.
Contact The Law Offices of Joe Bornstein for a free case evaluation, or visit us at one of our seven Maine office locations. We operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning we only get paid if we win your case.
"They were attentive, knowledgeable, and incredibly supportive throughout my case. Their expertise was evident as they navigated through the complexities with ease. I felt confident and reassured with their guidance. I highly recommend them to anyone in need of legal assistance. They truly go above and beyond!" - L. Judson
