1620 5th AvenuePedestrian accidents have an extremely high fatality rate due to the nature of a vehicle-person collision. Legislators and communities take steps to prevent these accidents with guardrails and crosswalks, but you are always at risk while walking near roads. Here are some stats to keep in mind about pedestrian accidents in California, courtesy of the National Highway Traffic Association:
- Pedestrian accidents account for 11% of all fatal car accidents.
- Over 180,000 people were killed in pedestrian accidents between 1975 and 2005.
- A pedestrian is injured in a traffic accident every 8 minutes. A pedestrian is killed in an accident every 111 minutes.
- Almost 2/3 of all fatal pedestrian accidents occur in urban areas.
- In 2005, 71% of fatal pedestrian accidents occurred on major roads—including highways.
Always be cautious and alert while walking near roads. Wear bright colored clothing and always cross at crosswalks—after checking for traffic. Pedestrian accidents can lead to traumatic brain injury, paralysis, fractured bones and death. Use overpasses and underpasses when possible, and avoid walking with an iPod or headphones so you can hear approaching vehicles.
Bonnici Law Group, APC—San Diego personal injury attorney.
1620 5th Avenue