Some people walk for the health benefits. Medical professionals often recommend that people take at least 10,000 steps per day. Other people walk for convenience’s sake or to save money on gas.
Pedestrians have rights and protections under the law. They can theoretically share the road with motor vehicles. Unfortunately, they have to accept serious risks whenever they are in close proximity to motor vehicles, such as when they cross at busy intersections or walk in parking lots.
Pedestrian crashes have always been a safety issue, but their frequency and severity have increased in recent years. Pedestrians are now at more risk than ever before.
Statistics show an increase in crashes
Looking at annual collision data exposes several alarming trends. The first is the overall increase in pedestrian crashes. Researchers looking at collision data from 2024 found a 48% increase in fatal pedestrian collisions when compared with figures from 2014.
That is a massive jump in deadly pedestrian crashes. There are also more reports of serious injuries and preventable crashes, such as frontover collisions in driveways and parking lots.
Larger vehicles likely play a role in that increased collision risk. Reported increases in distracted driving may also contribute to the threat pedestrians face on the road. Pedestrians may need to be more proactive about their own safety. They also need to be ready to seek justice if a motorist fails to notice them and injures them in a crash.
Holding an irresponsible driver accountable for a pedestrian collision may require litigation. Insurance is often not adequate to cover the cost of pedestrian injuries. Reviewing the details of a recent vehicle-pedestrian crash with a skilled legal team can help affected parties understand their options and hold any driver at fault financially accountable for their negligence.