Every year, an estimated 15,000 people are injured in pedestrian accidents across the state of New York, resulting in about 3,000 hospitalizations and 300 deaths. In many cases, these accidents would be avoidable if not for the reckless or negligent actions of motorists who do not take appropriate care while driving. Here are five common risk factors associated with pedestrian accidents:
- Speeding
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- One of the most common causes of pedestrian accidents is speeding, just as it is for all types of motor vehicle accidents. The faster a vehicle is moving, the harder it is for them to avoid a pedestrian in the road, and the more likely the accident is to result in a severe injury or death. That is why drivers should always slow down around areas where pedestrians are likely to be, such as schools, parks, or neighborhoods.
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- Poor visibility
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- To avoid a pedestrian, it helps if a driver can see them, but unfortunately poor visibility is a constant issue when it comes to pedestrian accidents. Often this is a result of driving at night or in bad weather, where it might be hard to see someone even a few feet in front of you. However, a pedestrian can also be obscured by parked vehicles, running out into the road where a driver may not see them in time to avoid an accident.
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- Failing to stop at intersections or crosswalks
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- A disturbing number of pedestrian accidents occur at intersections and crosswalks, where people are supposed to be able to safely cross the street. This is due to the fact that many people do not watch for pedestrians, and may drive through them without checking to see if someone is crossing the road. By the time they notice someone in front of them, it is often too late to avoid an accident.
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- Distracted driving
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- Distracted driving has become a serious problem for all types of motor vehicle accidents, but it can be especially problematic when it comes to pedestrian accidents. This is due to drivers failing to keep their eyes on the road or their hands on the wheel, instead paying attention to their cell phone, or food, or anything else that may be otherwise occupying their attention. This means they are less likely to see a pedestrian in time to avoid crashing into them, increasing the odds of an accident.
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- Intoxicated driving
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- Despite the fact that driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is illegal, a shocking number of drivers still get behind the wheel while intoxicated. These drivers tend to be more reckless, have worse reaction times, and drive more erratically. This, in turn, dramatically increases the chances of an otherwise avoidable pedestrian accident.
For more than 50 years, the New York lawyers at Elovich and Adell have represented clients like you in real estate cases. Our attorneys, conveniently located in Long Beach, handle personal injury, real estate, commercial transactions, criminal defense, and labor and employment claims all across New York State. For a consultation, please call us at 516-432-6263 or visit our contact page for more information.
