Every year around, hundreds of people die, and thousands are injured in pedestrian accidents in Canada. Causes of pedestrian accidents can be different and you should be careful about them while driving. However, Bulks never report the accident to the police.
These disastrous accidents mostly happen due to the negligence of the driver. There may have more causes of pedestrian accidents. The driver’s aggressive driving or confusion may also increase the chance of accidents. Though the drivers are legally responsible, the pedestrian is also at fault in some cases.
Whoever is at fault, the pedestrian is the one who suffers the maximum damages. If the pedestrians can prove the negligent party, they will get compensation for damages. Knowing the reasons for pedestrian accidents can help you identify the offender.
Here we’ll discuss the common causes of pedestrian accidents as well as the most common pedestrian injuries. A pedestrian accident lawyer can help you in case you need to claim compensation for your losses. Let’s get started!
Most Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents
There could be many reasons why these fatal accidents happen. The majority of the accidents take place either on the road or on city streets. Though the statistics change every year, the followings are the top causes of pedestrian accidents.
1. Unmarked Crosswalk
Most of the pedestrian accidents happen at intersections. The chances of accidents are the minimum in the signaled crosswalks. It is safe for pedestrians if the road is clearly marked.
Also, the drive can easily see people at intersections while parking. When the crosswalk is not visibly marked, accidents take place.
2. Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is a new threat on the highways. The reason behind distracted driving is the increased use of GPS units, mobile phones, in-car Wi-Fi, etc. Apart from the smart devices, more things keep the driver’s eye off the road.
The most common among them are food, radio, newspaper, and books. However, the number of pedestrian accidents due to distraction is increasing. Some drivers are texting while others are checking official mails.
In the meantime, drivers neglect red lights and ignore the pedestrians. Thus, it is better to make eye contact with the driver before crossing the road. If the driver is careless and maybe hits the pedestrian accidentally, so the pedestrian should take precautions to avoid being injured.
3. Improper Use of Lane
Two-thirds of pedestrian accidents occur in the city streets due to improper use of the lane. Sometimes bike rides on the sidewalk and hit pedestrians accidentally. Thus, the pedestrian gets injured or fell on the road.
4. Driving with High Speed
High speed is another factor that contributes to pedestrian accidents. Driving above the mentioned speed limit increases the chances of pedestrian accidents vastly. Also, pedestrian accidents happen deeply due to speedy driving.
5. Left-Hand Turns
Though signaled crosswalks are safer, it won’t always protect pedestrians. In most cases, pedestrians hit by a vehicle while turning left. The drivers concentrate at the intersections while the pedestrian looks forward in such cases. As a result, pedestrian accidents take place.
6. Noise-free Vehicle
The battery-operated vehicles are suitable for neighborhood peace. But, these automobiles are more prone to pedestrian accidents. In residential areas, around 50% of pedestrians occur due to quiet vehicles.
7. Violating Traffic Signals
Not only reckless driving but violating traffic signals also leads to pedestrian accidents. Even after the stop sign, most vehicles run through the intersection. Some drivers stop, although by then, they might have hit a pedestrian.
8. Turning without Giving Signal
Pedestrians should use crosswalks or walk on specific sides of the street. They must follow the lights and signs of the roads. Even after following the proper rules, the accident occurs when the driver fails to signal while turning.
Some drivers do not use turn signals and fail to signal their attention to turn. If they hit a pedestrian on the sidewalks, the driver is at fault. Here the pedestrian can claim damages.
9. Not Wearing Bright-Colored Clothes
Around 70% of accident happens at night as the pedestrian wear dark clothes. When the sun goes down, dark-colored clothes become invisible. It becomes difficult for the driver to spot the pedestrian. Therefore, the accident occurs.
So, it is wise to wear bright and lightly colored clothes which are easy to spot. The driver can spot the pedestrian even in the poor street lighting. Also, the pedestrian may use pocket flashlights to signal the driver.
10. Ignoring Weather Conditions
Bad weather is the most potential time for pedestrian accidents. Traveling in worse weather is responsible for most crashes. In most cases, a travels at the posted time in the heavy fog and hits a pedestrian. If the pedestrian enters the crosswalk without waiting for the signal light to change, both parties are at fault.
11. Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol
Last but not least, alcohol is another common reason for pedestrian accidents. Intoxicated drivers often hit the pedestrian as they make foolish decisions under the influence of alcohol.
Most Common Pedestrian Injuries
The pedestrian can be extremely injured in a pedestrian accident. Here are some common injuries that happen in pedestrian collisions.
- Spinal Cord Injuries – It happens due to sudden and traumatic shock in an accident.
- Traumatic Brain Injuries – It occurs due to a violent blow to the head or other body parts.
- Soft Tissue Injuries – Many types of soft tissue injuries happen, such as tears, dislocations, bruises, sprains, etc.
- Bone Fractures – It happens when a dominant physical force employed on a bone.
- Amputations – The accidental amputations of extremities and limbs leave lifelong effects on the human body.
- Broken Bones – It is the most common type of injury. However, it occurs when an external force causes a break on the bone.
- Emotional Trauma – Pedestrian accidents cause not only physical injuries but also emotional. The victim may suffer long-term emotional trauma.
- Death – The ultimate result of a pedestrian accident can be death.
Final Verdict
Hitherto, you’ve learned about the causes of pedestrian accidents as well as the injuries. Every pedestrian’s life is vulnerable. You can take the necessary precautions to change things for the better.
If you are a victim, seek help from a lawyer to recover your injuries. First things first, get medical attention right away! All in all, your caution can prevent these accidents from happening in the future.
