If you choose to walk as a primary mode of transportation, it is likely because it is cheaper, more convenient, better for your health or simply a faster way to get where you need to go. No matter why you walk, you know how scary it can be when Tennessee drivers do not make safe decisions, whether that is speeding through an intersection or failing to properly stop at a crosswalk.
According to a study done by the Governors Highway Safety Administration, the number of deadly accidents involving pedestrians has risen sharply over a very short amount of time. There could be many reasons for this, but statistics are clear that walking is quickly becoming one of the more dangerous ways to travel.
Why so many pedestrian accidents?
Even when pedestrians walk on sidewalks and cross at appropriate intersections at the right time, they are still in danger. Researchers have discovered that, in the last year alone, the number of fatal pedestrian accidents has risen by approximately 11 percent. This means that around 6,000 people die every year in a pedestrian accident.
Pedestrians are largely unprotected against the impact of a vehicle. They are vulnerable to serious or fatal injuries, even when the vehicle is moving at a slow speed. In order to better understand why these types of accidents are increasingly common and how to lower that number, it can be helpful to understand the following:
- A strong economy and lower gas prices across the country may be the reason why there seem to be more cars currently on the road.
- Distraction, for any reason, is a problem that continues to threaten the safety and well-being of every other person on the road.
- Distraction, on part of either the pedestrian or the driver, greatly increases the chance for an accident.
While there are many variables and factors that go into the causes of pedestrian accidents, researchers are confident that distraction is one of the leading causes.
Your rights as an accident victim
If you received an injury from an accident while walking, or you suffered injuries in a crash caused by the negligent or reckless actions of another person, you have rights. You may deserve compensation, and it may be appropriate to seek damages through a personal injury claim.
No matter the circumstances of your accident, it can be helpful to seek a complete case evaluation as soon as possible after your accident.