What Are the Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents?

Did you know that in 2022, there were 140,000 people treated for injuries from non-fatal pedestrian accidents in the United States?

Accidentally hitting a pedestrian is one of the most traumatic types of accidents that a driver can experience, and it emphasizes the importance of safety. There are steps that you can take to help you practice caution when driving.

The good news is that you came to the right place to learn more about the causes of pedestrian accidents and the warning signs that you should look out for.

Learn more about the common causes of pedestrian accidents and what you should do to avoid them.

Who Is Most at Risk in Pedestrian Accidents?

Any pedestrian runs the risk of being hit by an automobile, but certain groups of people have a much higher risk of involvement in a pedestrian accident.

It is much more common for men to be hit by automobiles than it is for women. It is also more likely for a person between the ages of 15 and 29 to be involved in pedestrian accidents.

If you’ve been drinking, your odds of being involved in a pedestrian accident increase dramatically. This is due to a decrease in awareness and a limit on your ability to walk safely.

By being aware of these factors, you’ll be able to keep an eye out for warning signs and practice caution when walking or driving in an area with a lot of pedestrians.

Main Causes of Pedestrian Accidents

There are many factors that play into pedestrian accidents. Everything from weather and road conditions to driver impairment and pedestrian impairment can cause a traffic accident to happen.

Here is a closer look at the most common causes of pedestrian accidents.

1. Distracted Drivers

Now more than ever, drivers are distracted while behind the wheel. This is especially true with drivers who are on their phone, calling or texting. This behavior makes for dangerous conditions for both the driver and any pedestrians in the area.

This is most dangerous in busy areas like cities where people are crossing streets. It is also dangerous in neighborhoods where kids are playing. Pedestrians using digital devices also increase the odds of an accident.

2. Impaired Drivers

Another common cause of pedestrian accidents is drunk or impaired drivers. These drivers are dangerous to themselves and everyone around them. They’re especially dangerous to pedestrians.

Impaired drivers have slower reaction times and poor decision-making skills. This is a dangerous combination when they’re behind the wheel of a vehicle and driving through crowded or busy streets.

If you’re walking at night, itis essential to be aware of all vehicles and walk safely. That is the best approach to avoiding involvement in a pedestrian accident.

3. Impatient Drivers

Impatient drivers are also very dangerous when it comes to the possibility of pedestrian accidents. They factor into the equation most often in urban areas where large numbers of people are crossing the street.

The most common occurrence of impatient drivers causing pedestrian accidents is at traffic lights. Pedestrians have the right of way, whether they see your vehicle or not.

Impatient drivers will sometimes try to go around pedestrians, which leads to many pedestrian accidents that could’ve been avoided.

4. Recklessness

Recklessness isn’t limited to only drivers. Both pedestrians and drivers can cause accidents with their recklessness. It happens most often with drivers when they don’t obey traffic laws or keep an eye out for pedestrians. This creates dangerous situations for people walking.

5. Inclement Weather

Another common cause of pedestrian accidents is poor or inclement weather. Snow, ice, and even rain can make a road slippery. Poor road conditions make it difficult for a vehicle to stop in time when trying to avoid pedestrians. 

Additionally, a slippery or icy sidewalk makes it difficult for a pedestrian to walk. It could lead to a slip and fall, which causes the pedestrian to slide into the path of an oncoming car.

Rain might not seem like it would be as much of an issue as snow and ice, but large puddles cause vehicles to hydroplane into crosswalks and other areas where pedestrians are walking.

6. Road Work

If you have a car and a driver’s license, then it is likely that at one point or another, you’ve driven through a work zone or a construction zone. It is important when driving through a work zone to be watchful of road workers.

In addition to that, if the road work occurs in an urban area, it could cause pedestrians to take routes that lead them into the path of your vehicle. You need to be very aware when nearing an area where road work is underway.

7. Dark Clothes at Night

It probably isn’t surprising that most pedestrian accidents happen at night rather than during the daytime. If you’re going to be walking in the dark, do your best to wear white or other light colors.

Another good idea is to use the flashlight on your phone to alert drivers to your presence when you cross a street. Even if the street has street lights and traffic lights, it is still possible that the driver won’t see you.

It is also important for drivers to be on the lookout for people walking at night, especially near intersections and crosswalks. If you always expect there to be pedestrians, then you’ll never be caught off guard.

8. Backing Up Accidents

This type of pedestrian accident happens most often at homes or in parking lots and typically involves small children. This is because the children are usually too small to see out the rear window of the vehicle.

Backing up accidents are also frequent in busy parking lots. When you go back out of a parking spot, you’re only able to see directly behind you. This makes it difficult to account for anyone walking or driving through that lane while you’re trying to back up.

Do You Need a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer?

Have you or someone you love been recently involved in pedestrian accidents? Pedestrian accidents are common, and though there are things you can do to avoid them, if they happen, it is best to have help.

Click here to contact DK Law.