Pedestrians Face Increased Risk From Motorists

Recent years have seen a marked increase in the number of fatal pedestrian accidents in cities throughout North America

. This trend has persisted despite efforts in multiple states and in Canada to improve pedestrian safety. Campaigns have been launched to reinforce the importance of using crosswalks and of maintaining heightened awareness of traffic while traveling on foot. There is a consensus that walkers and drivers have to be mindful of each other.

Regional development and growth patterns that have taken hold in many communities have added to the rise in pedestrian accidents leading to death. The past several years have seen business and commercial activity shift away from central main street districts toward highways replete with big box retailers. Planners and engineers have been motivated by the desire to move as much traffic as possible, resulting in the addition of lanes and the widening of thoroughfares. This has led to a move toward street designs that make sidewalks obsolete.

This has resulted in a decrease in the frequency of crosswalks and signals, and in some cases removes street parking and landscaping altogether in order to permit higher density traffic flow. Cities designed around cars instead of people pose serious dangers for pedestrians, even for those proceeding with the right of way in properly signaled crosswalks. Motorists traveling at higher rates of speed are far less likely to see a pedestrian in their path soon enough to be able to avoid a collision. Widened streets, increased speed limits and the design of vehicles themselves are all factors contributing to the recent rise in pedestrian deaths.

Poorly designed crosswalk signals and signage and awkwardly located construction projects also serve as increased hazards for those on foot. Another type of risk has received significant media attention of late, both because it is so prevalent, but also because it is utterly preventable. Distracted driving, whether due to loud music, telephone conversations, texting or even internet surfing has led to a large number of collisions between motorists and pedestrians. Many jurisdictions are attempting to address this dilemma through legislation and awareness campaigns, though practically speaking, this commonly observed behavior shows little sign of abating.

Due to the long and seemingly increasing list of dangers facing pedestrians, it is important for drivers and walkers alike to take great caution and develop an innate awareness of the potential presence of each other as they travel to their destinations. However, when the unthinkable happens, and a collision occurs, it is critical for injured pedestrians to act quickly to protect their rights, They should not hesitate to start proceedings to secure the monetary compensation to which they are entitled, if they have been harmed by the negligence of a motorist.

An experienced personal injury attorney can provide invaluable guidance to the pedestrian sustaining serious harm through no fault of their own. Once an injury occurs, an accident attorney will conduct a thorough review of the facts of the incident, determine the merits of a potential personal injury lawsuit, and attempt to effect a financial settlement with the negligent party and their insurer. When necessary, the attorney will guide the litigation through its various stages as a fierce advocate for the injured, working to protect their rights and to secure the monetary compensation they deserve.

by: Nick Messe

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