Although drivers are aware that pedestrians may be nearby, there are many pedestrian accidents that take place each day. The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration believes that, after completing an analysis of 2018 traffic data, the total number of pedestrian deaths will have increased by 4% over 2017’s numbers. Based on 2017’s data, one pedestrian is killed every 88 minutes, making up 16% of all traffic fatalities.
While there are many factors in pedestrian crashes, one of the most important to speak about is distraction. Distractions can take a driver’s eyes off the road and make a pedestrian unaware of their surroundings. For both parties, the reality is that distractions increase the risk of a collision.
What are some common distractions that you should avoid as a pedestrian?
Some common distractions that impact pedestrians include:
- Talking to others
- Playing on a phone
- Listening to music
- Outside factors, such as animals or the weather
These distractions can make it difficult for a pedestrian to concentrate and may result in them walking out into traffic or not hearing a vehicle that is headed in their direction unexpectedly.
What are some distractions that drivers can avoid?
Some common distractions drivers may struggle with include:
- Talking on a cellphone
- Texting or reading emails on a digital device
- Heated conversations with passengers
- Eating behind the wheel
- Changing radio stations
All of these distractions have the potential to take a driver’s eyes off the road, mind off what they’re doing and hands off the wheel, which puts them at a higher risk of a collision with an unsuspecting pedestrian on or near the roads.
What should you do if you’re walking and are hit by a driver?
If you are walking and are struck by someone, it’s important to get help immediately. Most drivers will stay at the scene and call 911 for pedestrians who have been injured. If the driver attempts to leave the scene, try to get the driver’s license plate number or to remember the kind of vehicle they had.
Once you are at the hospital, you may need to take medications, go through testing or even have surgery. Keep all your medical documents and be prepared to give copies to your attorney. Your attorney can then help you by negotiating a fair settlement with the driver’s insurance company or helping you with a personal injury lawsuit if a settlement with insurance isn’t a possibility.
