Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in Clearwater
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According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, some 69,000 pedestrians were injured in accidents in 2011, including 11,000 children.
Most of these injuries were caused the same things that play a role in pedestrian accidents in Clearwater time and time again. By understanding how these accidents take place, we can take steps to improve our own behavior and improve pedestrian safety in our area.
Speeding
The National Safety Council has found that some 85% of all pedestrian accidents occur in urban areas. Respecting the speed limit in these areas plays a key role in pedestrian safety. This is particularly important in areas where children may be walking and playing.
Distracted Driving
With more people than ever using mobile devices, distracted driving has become responsible for a growing number of pedestrian accidents. Although texting while driving is now banned here in Clearwater, many drivers continue to engage in this dangerous behavior. Other common distractions like answering phone calls and operating music devices can take a driver’s attention
away from the road long enough for an accident to take place.
Left-hand turns
Many pedestrian accidents take place at intersections as a driver attempts to make a left-hand turns without checking for pedestrians. Drivers are typically focused on waiting for an opening in oncoming traffic in these cases, while pedestrians are looking straight ahead while crossing the street assuming that vehicles will heed their right of way.
Driving Under the Influence
Substance abuse is responsible for all too many pedestrian injuries and fatalities. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, 37 percent of pedestrians who lost their lives in an accident had a blood alcohol content of more than 0.08 percent in 2011. Drunk drivers were responsible for 13% of all fatal pedestrian accidents in that year.
Ignoring Pedestrian Warnings Signs
When drivers fail to heed warning signs indicating crosswalks and school zones, accidents involving serious pedestrian injuries can occur. Poorly marked crosswalks also play a role in some pedestrian accidents.
Do you need help from a Clearwater pedestrian accident lawyer? Call Abrahamson & Uiterwyk today at 1-800-538-4878.
When a pedestrian is hit by a moving vehicle, the injuries can be severe and even life threatening. A Clearwater pedestrian accident lawyer may be able to help if you or a loved one has been hit by a driver in our area. Call our injury law team today at 1-800-538-4878 to find out how we may be able to help.