The Dangers That Pedestrians Face Today
We often hear about the dangers of driving and how the road is one of the most dangerous places when it comes to the possibility of injury and even death, but there is another type of accident that still takes its toll on people all around the nation. Pedestrian accidents in the United States continue to rise each year, accounting for a staggering total of 5,984 fatal accidents in 2017, up 1,682 accidents from 2010. While auto accidents are still one of the most prominent and fatal accidents in the country, there is no denying that pedestrians face just as much danger as those who drive regularly.
With the advancements of technology, everlasting construction and new distractions being introduced to society, a wrongful death lawyer may see an increase in fatal pedestrian accident cases. Here are some of the dangers pedestrians in the United State face today.
Technology-Related Accidents
More and more people are choosing to walk nowadays. With the cost of fuel, carbon emissions and overall crowded roads in major cities, it seems like a more appealing, faster and more viable option to stroll to your destination rather than drive. However, as the number of pedestrians rises, so does the number of pedestrian related accidents and deaths; between 2015 and 2016, pedestrian fatalities increased by 11 percent, and this is mainly due to the fact that most pedestrians are looking down at their smartphones rather than up at what’s in front of them while walking.
Aside from visual distractions, more people are walking around with headphones or earbuds on, leaving them susceptible to exterior threats due to reduced auditory senses. These distractions may leave you searching for something more than just a “personal injury attorney Utah” on your smartphone, but a loved one may instead have to contact a wrongful death lawyer if the accident is severe.
Construction Zone Dangers
Construction zone injuries also prove to be a significant threat to pedestrians in major cities. In this case, the pedestrians are construction workers who are injured while on the job by reckless or distracted drivers. Though the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires construction sites to have cones, signs, barrels and barriers set up, drivers often miss these visual warnings due to distractions or straight disregard for the law⎯ as a result, construction workers may end up being struck by a vehicle.
It is crucial for all parties, including the driver and pedestrian to stay aware and maintain focus while in construction zones. Only through caution can you avoid a call to a wrongful death lawyer.
Pedestrians are at more risk than ever in this day and age, which is why awareness and a proper understanding of the law is crucial for the safety and well-being of those who choose to walk the streets of the country’s busiest cities. If you are in need of legal representation in the event of a tragedy involving a pedestrian accident, contact a wrongful death lawyer at Robert J. DeBry and Associates. We will help you get the compensation that you deserve for any losses you may have accrued.
Sources:
https://www.peoplepoweredmovement.org/pedestrian-accidents-in-the-u-s/
https://www.trafficsafetystore.com/blog/safe-pedestrians-u-s/