Far too many kids have passed away in traffic collisions, and when these lives are cut short, the challenges that arise may be devastating for their entire family. If you are a parent, it is pivotal to do all you can to keep your child safe whenever they are on the road or near traffic, and this includes ensuring that they understand how to avoid an accident while walking alongside the road or attempting to cross the street.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one out of every five children less than 15 years old who passed away in traffic accidents in 2015 were pedestrians. This shows that young people, particularly the age group of children less than 15 years old, are especially likely to be involved in a fatal pedestrian accident, which is why you should do everything you can to help keep your child safe if you are a parent.
The CDC draws attention to multiple risk factors that can increase the odds of fatal pedestrian accidents, such as walking during the nighttime, crossing the road inappropriately, walking in an urban area, and drivers traveling at high speeds.
Tragically, some pedestrian accidents are caused by reckless drivers, and a child’s life may be cut short by a careless driver. Even when a child understands how to stay safe while walking near traffic, they may be struck by someone who is speeding or driving under the influence. The hardships that arise in the wake of these accidents can destroy a parent’s life, and those who are struggling with the consequences of a pedestrian accident should not hesitate to seek justice.
Overview of Pedestrian Accidents
Pedestrian accidents are a significant concern in the United States, resulting in thousands of injuries and deaths each year. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), pedestrian fatalities have been increasing over the past decade. From 2017 to 2021, the 5-year average of pedestrian deaths was 6,502. This alarming trend means that pedestrians accounted for approximately 16 to 17% of total traffic fatalities during this period. The National Household Travel Survey (NHTS) estimates that walking trips represent about 10.5% of all transportation mode trips reported in the United States. These statistics highlight the urgent need for increased awareness and safety measures to protect pedestrians, especially young ones, from fatal accidents.
Key Statistics on Pedestrian Fatalities
The numbers surrounding pedestrian fatalities paint a stark picture of the dangers faced by those on foot:
- In 2021, approximately 7,388 pedestrians died and 60,577 were injured in traffic crashes in the United States (NCSA, 2023c).
- The number of pedestrian fatalities in 2020 was 6,565, which increased to 7,388 in 2021, representing a 12.6% increase (NHTSA, 2021).
- Pedestrian fatalities are on the rise, with a pedestrian being struck and killed every 71 minutes in 2021 (NHTSA, 2021).
- The National Center for Health Statistics estimated that over 9,000 pedestrians died in traffic and other accidents in 2022 (NCSA, 2023c).
- The National Safety Council (NSC) found that 7,522 traffic-related pedestrian deaths occurred in 2022 (NSC, 2022).
These statistics underscore the critical need for enhanced safety measures and awareness to protect pedestrians from the increasing risk of fatal crashes.
Demographics of Pedestrian Accidents
Understanding the demographics of pedestrian accidents can help in formulating targeted safety measures:
- In 2021, 70% of pedestrians killed were male (NHTSA, 2021).
- 15% of all pedestrian fatalities were children 14 years old or younger (NHTSA, 2021).
- In nearly half of all fatal pedestrian crashes, alcohol was detected in the blood of the driver, the pedestrian, or both parties (NHTSA, 2021).
- The majority of pedestrian fatalities occur in urban areas, with 77% of fatalities happening after dark (NHTSA, 2021).
These figures highlight the vulnerability of specific groups, such as young children and males, and the significant role that alcohol and urban settings play in pedestrian fatalities.
Causes of Pedestrian Accidents
Several factors contribute to the high number of pedestrian fatalities:
- Failure to yield (NHTSA, 2021)
- Speeding (NHTSA, 2021)
- Failure to obey traffic signals (NHTSA, 2021)
- Distracted driving (NHTSA, 2021)
- Alcohol involvement (NHTSA, 2021)
Pedestrians may be struck by vehicles traveling at high speeds or may be distracted or impaired by alcohol or other substances. Additionally, pedestrians often walk in areas with inadequate lighting or visibility or in areas with high traffic volumes or complex intersections. These factors collectively increase the risk of fatal pedestrian accidents.
Prevention and Safety Measures
Preventing pedestrian accidents requires a concerted effort from both pedestrians and drivers, as well as community and policy interventions:
- Pedestrians can exercise additional caution when walking at night, in urban areas, or away from intersections (NHTSA, 2021).
- Pedestrians should be aware of their surroundings and avoid distractions while walking (NHTSA, 2021).
- Drivers should be vigilant and yield to pedestrians when necessary (NHTSA, 2021).
- Communities can implement safety measures such as improving lighting and visibility, reducing speed limits, and increasing enforcement of traffic laws (NHTSA, 2021).
- Education and awareness campaigns can also help to reduce pedestrian accidents and fatalities (NHTSA, 2021).
By adopting these measures, we can work towards reducing the number of pedestrian accidents and ensuring safer roads for everyone.
Speak With the Pedestrian Accident Lawyers at Callahan & Blaine
At Callahan & Blaine, we are deeply aware of the devastating impact fatal pedestrian accidents can have on families, especially when young children are involved. Tragically, children under 15 account for a significant portion of pedestrian fatalities, with approximately one in five pedestrian deaths in this age group resulting from traffic accidents. Many of these tragedies are preventable, often stemming from reckless or negligent driving behaviors.
If your family has been affected by a pedestrian accident, we may be able to help you pursue justice and compensation. With over 40 years of trial experience, we are committed to holding negligent drivers accountable for the harm they cause. Contact us today at (714) 241-4444 or via our online form to discuss your case and how we may assist.
