Pedestrian Accident Statistics
Pedestrians are injured and killed in accidents every day across United States. Most pedestrians accidents occur when one or both parties involved are not practicing due caution. Failure to yield right-of-way, ignoring traffic warnings, drunk driving and negligent driving are all major causes of pedestrian accidents. These accidents often lead to serious injuries or death.
A Common Occurrence
- On average a pedestrian in the United States is killed every 111 minutes.
- On average a pedestrian in the United States is injured every 8 minutes.
- 4,881 pedestrians were killed by a motor vehicle in 2005
Pedestrian Accident Injuries
- 40 percent of pedestrian accident injuries occur when the pedestrian is first struck by the vehicle
- 32 percent of pedestrian injuries occur when the pedestrian hits the ground
- 26 percent of pedestrian injuries happen when the pedestrian strikes something other than the ground
When Are Pedestrian Fatalities Most Common?
About half of all pedestrian fatalities occur during the weekend. The numbers seem to make a direct correlation between weekend recreational activity and pedestrian accidents.
- In 2005, 17 percent of all pedestrian fatalities happened on a Friday
- 18 percent of all pedestrian deaths happened on a Saturday
- 14 percent of all pedestrian fatalities occurred on a Sunday
- 45 percent of all pedestrian fatalities happen between 6 p.m. and midnight
Alcohol
Alcohol is a major contributor to pedestrian accidents.
- 20 percent of pedestrians who are killed in a car crash are legally intoxicated
- 50 percent of fatalities occur when either the pedestrian or the driver have been drinking.
Children
- A large number of pedestrians killed or injured in car crashes are children.
- 25 percent of all children killed in car crashes between the ages of 5 and 9 were pedestrians.
- Children under the age of 16 are the most likely victims of pedestrian accidents.
- One-fifth of all traffic accident victims 16 and under are pedestrians
Senior Citizens
The other most vulnerable group to serious injuries is the elderly. While the elderly are slightly less likely to be hit by a car they are considerably more likely to die from a collision.
- About 16 percent of all pedestrian fatalities involve senior citizens.
- Only 6 percent of all pedestrian accident injuries involve the elderly.
- 35 percent of pedestrian deaths of people 70 years old and older occurred at intersections
If you or a loved one has been injured as a result of a pedestrian accident, please contact the experienced Washington personal injury lawyers at The Bernard Law Group for a free consultation and comprehensive evaluation of your case. As a victim, you may be able to receive compensation to cover medical expenses, lost wages, cost of hospitalization, rehabilitation, physical therapy and even long-term care. Call us today to find out how we can help.
IF YOU, OR A LOVED ONE, HAVE BEEN SERIOUSLY INJURED AS A RESULT OF A WASHINGTON PEDESTRIAN ACCIDENT - CALL TODAY FOR A FREE CONSULTATION!
