All road users face serious risks, whether they are riding in a vehicle, riding a bicycle or walking near traffic. However, pedestrians are particularly vulnerable when they find themselves involved in a traffic accident. It is helpful for drivers and pedestrians to carefully review statistics on pedestrian accidents and focus on prevention whenever they are on the road.
Sadly, pedestrian accidents will continue to happen irrespective of the precautionary measures that are taken.
Statistics on pedestrian deaths and injuries
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 5,900 pedestrians lost their lives in traffic accidents during 2017. When an accident takes place, statistics show that pedestrians have a higher chance of losing their lives in comparison to those riding in vehicles during a crash. During 2017, it is believed that as many as 137,000 people sought care in emergency rooms as a result of pedestrian accident injuries. The families of pedestrians who pass away in accidents caused by reckless drivers deserve justice and need to take a look at their legal options.
Age, alcohol use and pedestrian accidents
The CDC also provides helpful information regarding other facets of pedestrian accidents. For example, one out of five pedestrian fatalities during 2017 involved pedestrians who were over the age of 65. Younger pedestrians are also killed in many pedestrian accidents. In fact, among children who were 14 and younger, 20 percent of all traffic crash deaths in this age group involved pedestrians during 2017. Alcohol is another serious concern when it comes to pedestrian fatalities. In 2017, 47 percent of fatal pedestrian accidents involved the use of alcohol.