Unfortunately, pedestrian fatalities continue to be very high. In 2019, reports state that 6,205 pedestrians were killed in accidents involving motor vehicles. Summertime is the high season for this type of accident. When the weather is warm more people are out walking. As a driver, one of the best ways to prevent an accident with a pedestrian is to be aware of some of the more commonly occurring circumstances that cause them. Below are five of the most frequent reasons for car/pedestrian accidents.
- Distracted Driving — taking your eyes off the road for even a few seconds to check a text, adjust your radio or set up your GPS can have disastrous results for pedestrians. Walkers are harder to see than other vehicles. A child running into the street chasing a ball or someone trying to get across a busy street can pop up easily in the time you are distracted.
- Left-Hand Turns — when making a left-hand turn you must look both left and right and this gives a walker more time to get in front of you. Always exercise extra caution at crosswalks, one of the more frequent pedestrian accident sites.
- Backing Up — although many newer cars feature backup cameras you should never rely solely on them when reversing your vehicle. Use your mirrors and check your surroundings looking up and down the street before you pull out.
- Failing to Come to a Complete Stop — walkers who see you approaching a stop sign or traffic light that is yellow will be anticipating you stopping. Always slow down when you see a pedestrian ahead of you and never try to speed through a yellow light when you are in a pedestrian zone.
- Driving Under the Influence — always a bad idea, this is a contributing factor in many pedestrians vs. car accidents. Drugs and alcohol slow your reaction time and blur your judgement increasing the likelihood of pedestrian (and other) accidents.
Talk to a Pedestrian Accident Attorney in Las Vegas Now
If you have been injured in a pedestrian accident, seeking compensation through a personal injury lawsuit can seem intimidating. Fortunately, an experienced pedestrian accident lawyer in Las Vegas, NV at THE702FIRM Injury Attorneys can explain the process in plain English and help you understand your options.
