Pedestrians walking on the shoulder of a road or crossing a busy street are vulnerable. Unlike vehicle occupants, who have seat belts and airbags to protect them in the event of a crash, pedestrians have nothing shielding them from imminent physical harm.
Pedestrian collisions can cause devastating and deadly injuries. Even crashes that occur in a driveway or parking lot can be severe enough to cause permanent injuries. Certain factors may increase the likelihood of a driver hitting a pedestrian or may influence the severity of the injuries caused by the crash.
The three factors below have a profound impact on the outcome or likelihood of a pedestrian crash occurring in an auto-pedestrian scenario.
1. Vehicle speed
Research into pedestrian collisions shows a clear correlation between the speed of the vehicle and the chances of severe or fatal injuries. At speeds above 35 mph, the collision is more likely than not to cause significant injuries. Pedestrians may want to choose routes that keep them on roads with lower speed limits to reduce the likelihood of the worst-case scenario.
2. Alcohol consumption
Pedestrian collision statistics show a clear correlation between chemical impairment and pedestrian crashes. When either the driver or the pedestrian is under the influence, the possibility of a pedestrian crash occurring increases substantially. People who make the lawful decision to walk home after overindulging at a bar or party might fail to monitor their surroundings before crossing the street, which is an oversight that can have devastating consequences.
3. Vehicle size
The larger a vehicle is, the greater the potential for severe injuries in the event of a pedestrian collision. Even in a low-speed pedestrian knock-down scenario, heavier vehicles with vertical front ends can cause severe injuries, such as traumatic brain injuries. Larger vehicles also have bigger blind spots, which make it easier for drivers to overlook nearby pedestrians.
When pedestrians end up injured because drivers fail to monitor their surroundings or get behind the wheel after drinking, they may have the right to take legal action in pursuit of financial compensation. Discussing the circumstances of a recent pedestrian crash with a legal professional can help injured people and families who lost a loved one understand their options for seeking justice.