What are the Main Causes of Pedestrian Accidents?

Distracted Driving

Distracted driving is one of the common causes of pedestrian accidents. The increasing dependence on mobile phones and in-car technologies significantly takes a driver’s attention away from the road.

Even a simple act like reading a text or answering a call can dangerously distract a driver, diverting their focus for a few crucial seconds. Considering the high speeds on highways, it’s essential to realize that in that short period, a car can cover the length of a football field, leaving a wide window for potential accidents.

Technology has made driving more comfortable and safer in many ways: features like lane departure warnings, automatic braking systems, and pedestrian detection have saved countless lives. However, the over-reliance on these systems and other distractions has contributed to a spike in motor vehicle accidents. Drivers might develop a false sense of security or become complacent, thinking technology will compensate for their lapses.

Speeding

Speeding is also another primary cause of accidents that involve pedestrians. While drivers might think it saves time, the consequences of speeding can be severe, especially for pedestrians who don’t have the same protection as those inside vehicles if there’s an accident.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the risk of a pedestrian fatality is four times greater when hit by a vehicle traveling at 40 mph than when hit by a vehicle traveling at 20 mph.

Speeding doesn’t just increase the risk of traffic accidents. It also reduces the driver’s reaction time, making responding to unexpected obstacles or events harder, like a pedestrian suddenly crossing the road.

Failing To Yield

Another common cause of pedestrian accidents is drivers failing to yield, especially at crosswalks. When drivers neglect these basic rules, it jeopardizes the safety of pedestrians.

Texas traffic laws mandate drivers to yield the right of way to pedestrians at marked and unmarked crosswalks. If a pedestrian has already started crossing the road, vehicles must stop and wait until the person safely reaches the other side. Failure to yield can result in serious accidents, and drivers who violate this law may face legal consequences.

Ignoring Traffic Signals

Traffic signals and stop signs are crucial elements of road safety, acting as reliable guides for drivers and pedestrians alike. They play a vital role in maintaining order and ensuring a smooth traffic flow, contributing to a safer and more efficient transportation system. Ignoring traffic signals can, and often does, lead to disastrous consequences.

Running a red light is undeniably one of the most dangerous behaviors a driver can engage in. Not only does it put other vehicles at risk, but it also poses a significant threat to pedestrians who rely on the safety of the traffic signal while crossing the street.

Failing To Signal

In Texas, numerous pedestrian accidents occur annually due to vehicles neglecting to signal while making turns. Left turns, in particular, pose a greater risk to pedestrians, as drivers prioritize oncoming traffic over the safety of those crossing the street.

Blinkers serve as a communication tool between drivers and other road users, including pedestrians. By signaling their intention to turn or change lanes, drivers can alert those around them, allowing for safer navigation of intersections and roads.

For pedestrians, especially in busy areas, the turn signal indicates when it’s safe to begin crossing a street. Pedestrians may misjudge a driver’s intent without this signal, leading to potential accidents.

Traffic And Weather Conditions

While most pedestrian accidents occur due to driver negligence, sometimes poor road conditions can be a contributing factor.

Weather conditions like rain, fog, and snow can severely impact road safety by reducing visibility and making surfaces slippery. Wet roads, dense fog, or icy patches can hinder a driver’s ability to see pedestrians or stop quickly, increasing the risk of accidents.

Similarly, heavy traffic and nighttime driving can obscure a driver’s vision, making it harder to spot pedestrians walking. Regardless of these challenges, drivers must adapt. This includes reducing speed in poor conditions, ensuring their vehicles are well-maintained, and sometimes choosing not to drive in unsafe conditions.

Driving Under The Influence

Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs remains a leading cause of pedestrian accidents. Research indicates a troubling correlation between substance impairment and pedestrian fatalities, with many fatal pedestrian accidents involving an intoxicated driver.

Alcohol and drugs impair judgment, reaction time, and coordination, significantly increasing the risks on the road.

In Texas, drivers with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08% can be charged with driving while intoxicated (DWI). If a person is arrested for a DWI involving an accident with a pedestrian, the consequences can be severe, including fines, license suspension, and even jail time. Pedestrian accidents that involve intoxicated drivers typically also result in additional compensation for the victim.