More than 7,500 pedestrians who were out walking were struck and killed by vehicles in the United States in 2022, which represents the largest amount of fatalities since 1981.
According to the Governors Highway Report, at least 7,508 pedestrians were killed while out walking last year, a huge increase from just a decade ago. Back in 2010, 4,302 pedestrians were struck and killed in the US. The data from 2022 reveals a 77 percent increase in pedestrian-vehicle fatalities over that span.
Why The Increase?
The report suggests that a number of different factors may be to blame for the stark increase in pedestrian fatalities. Those factors include:
- More risky driving behaviors during the coronavirus pandemic
- Lack of awareness and enforcement of laws meant to keep pedestrian safe
- An increase in distracted driving and distracted walking
Others believe that an aging population and larger vehicles are key factors behind the increase, as bigger vehicles can cause more damage, and senior citizens are more likely to succumb to major injuries. Regardless of the specific factors, it’s clear that pedestrian fatalities are a major issue here in the US at a time when other developed countries are seeing a significant decrease in pedestrian deaths.
With summer in full swing, it can be a particularly dangerous time for pedestrians, who are more likely to be active during the warm months with extra daylight. It is imperative that you are aware of your surroundings when you are out walking, and never assume that a vehicle will stop even if you have the right of way. The graveyard is filled with people who had the right of way, so you need to always be on the defensive when crossing streets, because you’re going to lose any battle with a vehicle. Put your phone away and pay attention to your surroundings, and hopefully drivers will do the same.
If you or someone you know has been injured as a result of a pedestrian-vehicle collision, make sure that you get in contact with an attorney to get the compensation you deserve. Pedestrian-vehicle collisions can result in major injuries, and you need to be compensated for these potentially life-altering injuries. It should come as no surprise that we’ve been handling a growing amount of pedestrian injury cases in recent years, and while it’s a trend we hope will reverse, it has given our firm the opportunity to understand how to win these cases and maximize the awards for our clients. Let us get you the money you deserve while you focus on your health.
Hopefully you never need to reach out to an attorney about a pedestrian-vehicle accident, but know that we’re here for you if you ever need us. For more information, or to talk to an attorney about a different type of injury lawsuit, reach out to the team at Hey Workers today at (844) 439-9675.
