How Much of a Risk Do Drunk Drivers Pose to Pedestrians?

Redondo Beach was recently the site of a disastrous pedestrian accident that led to three deaths and ten injuries. A driver who had run through a red light unexpectedly struck pedestrians who had just left a Christmas service.

After the accident, police took the driver into custody on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Pedestrians have no defense against unsafe driving, and unfortunately, accidents such as this one are more common than they should be.

In 2010, drug or alcohol related pedestrian accidents led to 2,020 pedestrians losing their lives, about 48 percent of all pedestrian fatalities.

What Are Other Causes of Pedestrian Accidents?

According to the Centers for Disease Control, speeding increases the likelihood of a pedestrian being struck by a car and the severity of injury after the accident. Most pedestrian deaths occur in unlit areas at night and are more likely to be in an urban setting.

Another cause of death or injury to pedestrians is distracted driving, such as texting while driving or fidgeting with the radio. One study looked at data from 2005 and compared it to 2010, and found that distracted driving led to an increase of 50 percent in fatal pedestrian accidents. The causes of distracted driving are texting, talking on the phone and eating while driving.

Pedestrians should not have to fear for their lives while going for a jog through the neighborhood or a bike ride along a peaceful roadway. It is up to drivers to maintain a level of accountability to those who are more vulnerable to injury so we can avert further tragedies.

Bonnici Law Group is dedicated to helping those who have been wrongfully injured by the negligence of dangerous drivers. Please come join our community and find out more about us by visiting our Facebook and Twitter pages.

Bonnici Law Group, APC – San Diego Personal Injury Attorney

You can find out more about pedestrian accidents by visiting the website of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Did You Know? Pedestrians age 65 and older accounted for 20 percent of all pedestrian deaths and 9 percent of injuries.