Road safety is something that is ignored the most despite its apparent benefits. There are more accidents resulting in severe or fatal injuries than ever before. According to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 42,915 people lost their lives in traffic accidents in 2021, which is a 10% increase from the previous years. Regarding pedestrian deaths, the figure stands at 7,485 in 2021, which is 11.5% higher than the previous year. These numbers are alarming despite regular road safety training and strict punishments. You must consult an attorney for damages if someone you know was injured in a pedestrian accident. Look at the following pointers to know how drivers are making it an unsafe environment for pedestrians on the road.
Lack of Knowledge
Most pedestrian accidents are caused due to lack of knowledge. This means the driver is either underage or didn’t get the proper training. Either way, the pedestrian will suffer the consequences. Today there are more inexperienced or young drivers on the road, making the environment hazardous for pedestrians. There should be harsher laws and stricter punishments to curb this trend.
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Smartphones
This is the number one cause of accidents, and drivers and pedestrians are responsible for it. Smartphones have become such an integral part of our daily life and personality that we, without realizing it, are putting our lives in danger whenever we use them on roads. The drivers will often look at it, and before they know it, they hit a pedestrian. Similarly, pedestrians will be so engrossed in watching their smartphones on the road that they forget their surroundings. Yet, despite numerous warnings on the highways, it is ignored by almost every driver.
Driving Under Influence
DUI is a serious offense. Most accidents happen because of it. Many drivers will get on the road in alcohol or drug-infused states without realizing the consequences of their actions. Their reaction time slows, and their vision becomes blurry; as a result, it’s hard for them to comprehend everything on the road. Despite strict punishments and several warnings, many drivers ignore them and, as a result, endanger a pedestrian’s life.
Distractions
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Smartphones are not the only distractions that occupy a driver. Many accidents have occurred where a driver changed the station and failed to recognize what’s on the road. Similarly, chatting with other passengers is also a common accident cause. When you get on the road, you should keep distractions to a minimum, especially when driving through the city.
Medical Condition
There are countless online videos where a driver suffered a stroke and lost vehicle control. Drivers with exaggerated medical conditions are also significant statistics regarding pedestrian accidents. They might have taken medication before getting on the road, which impaired their judgment resulting in a severe pedestrian accident.
Although not all accidents are a driver’s fault, however, when they get on the road, they must keep the passengers and pedestrians safe. Observe proper safety laws and be hyper-vigilant the next time you are on the road.
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