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Facts About Pedestrian Injuries And Fatalities

According to statistics compiled by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in 2009 almost 11 people a day, or 4,092 pedestrians, were killed. Pedestrian injuries happened at a slightly higher rate-one injury per nine minutes, or 59,000 injuries.

As pedestrian fatalities decreased 22 percent overall between 1998 and 2009 and injuries decreased 14.5 percent, it would seem that it is safer to walk today than it was 10 years ago. However, according to experts, this may not be the case. Research into hospital records reveals that police record a very small percentage of pedestrian accidents caused by motor vehicles. This makes it very likely that the actual number of injuries is much larger.

Where and When it is Most Dangerous to Walk

At first glance, it is not surprising that pedestrians in the more heavily populated states of California, Texas, Florida and New York are more at risk-pedestrian accidents in these states represent 41 percent of pedestrian fatalities. However, when all types of fatalities, pedestrian-related and others are included in the calculations, only five percent of all types of traffic fatalities nationwide occur in these states.

Statistics from NHTSA and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety demonstrate that males are more likely to be killed as pedestrians. Males represented 69 percent of pedestrian fatalities in 2009.

Statistics show that certain days of the week are more dangerous than others. Friday, Saturday and Sunday are the most deadly days to be a pedestrian; 16, 17 and 15 percent of pedestrian fatalities respectively occur on these days.

An Attorney Can Help

The law requires that drivers take all reasonable precautions to avoid injuring pedestrians. However, with the prevalence of mobile devices being used in vehicles, some drivers do not do what the law requires of them. If you or a loved one have been injured by a negligent driver, you may have a right to compensation. An experienced personal injury attorney can evaluate your situation and assist you in recovering compensation for your injuries.