Being a pedestrian in an urban setting can be a risky proposition. The National Highway Safety Administration reports that in 2011, 4,432 pedestrians were killed in traffic accidents, which is up 8% since 2009. Most of these deaths occurred at non-intersections, and 70% of them occurred at night with a significant number of those cases involving alcohol.

Since a pedestrian accident involves at least two individuals – one driving a motor vehicle and the other on foot – it seems like the root of the issue involves improving the visual communication between the pedestrian and the driver.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, those who are most at risk for a pedestrian accident include older adults age 65 and older, children between the ages of 5 and 9, and drivers and pedestrians who were alcohol impaired. In fact of the pedestrian accidents that resulted in deaths, 47% were the result of alcohol impairment.

What can pedestrians do to be safer on the streets?

Be more visible and be alert when you are crossing the street. Several cities in the U.S. are asking pedestrians to try something new when crossing the street – carry a safety flag. The city supplies bright orange safety flags at crosswalks; pedestrians pick up a flag when they are crossing the street, and they attempt to make eye contact with oncoming drivers and then wave the flag as they cross the streets. Cities such as Fort Lauderdale, Berkeley, St. Paul and Seattle have tried similar programs, but Seattle has recently scrapped the program because people kept stealing the flags. The jury is still out on whether the flag programs will be effective in lowering the incidence of pedestrian accidents.

Walking and crossing the street at night is the most dangerous, so be careful to use designated crosswalks. When there is no sidewalk, walk facing oncoming traffic and wear reflective clothing so that drivers can see you.

What can drivers do to avoid hitting pedestrians?

We are fairly confident that pedestrian accidents are not the result of drivers deliberately trying to mow down people who are walking. However, in order to decrease the prevalence of pedestrian accidents, drivers must be vigilant in looking out for pedestrians, and pedestrians need to make every attempt to make sure that drivers see them when they are crossing the street. Since the highest number of pedestrian accidents involved alcohol impairment, don’t drink and drive.

At the end of the day the training you most likely received in grade school about, “stop, look and listen” before crossing the street turns out to be excellent advice. Don’t try to text while crossing the street, be aware of your surroundings, and be alert while you are walking in congested areas. If you should end up getting hit in a pedestrian accident due to someone else’s negligence, we are experienced Knoxville personal injury attorneys and we are here to help you get the compensation you deserve. Give us a call. We can help.