Senior Partner
According to data gathered by the Governors Highway Safety Association, there were an estimated 6,227 pedestrian deaths in 2018. That was the highest number since 1990, and it represents a 35 percent increase from 2008. There were a number of reasons why New York pedestrians were being killed at higher rates, and they include distracted driving and walking as well as drug and alcohol use.
Individuals were distracted in part by using smartphones while walking to work. SUVs were more likely to kill or injure pedestrians because they hit victims in the torso and head. This type of vehicle was deemed more likely to injure or kill even when a collision took place at relatively low speeds. From 2013 to 2017, the number of deaths caused by an SUV rose 50 percent.
Although pedestrian deaths increased from 2008 to 2017, traffic deaths fell by 6 percent overall. The GHSA made some suggestions that could make roads safer for pedestrians. For instance, it may be a good idea to add lights even if there are no intersections or road crossings. It may also help to take pedestrian traffic patterns into account when designing road crossing. Educating the public can also help drivers and pedestrians share the road.
Those who are are walking or biking have less protection than a person in a vehicle. Therefore, pedestrian accidents may result in serious injuries even if a collision occurs at a low speed. Injured victims might want to meet with an attorney to see whether the filing of a lawsuit against the driver of the vehicle might be advisable.
