According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), not only have pedestrian crashes become more frequent, but they have also become deadlier. Although pedestrian deaths were at their lowest point in 2009, the number of fatalities quickly climbed back up in 2016. The IIHS estimates that pedestrian deaths actually increased by 45% since 2009. But, the source says that after studying the crash trends over the course of that timeframe, experts have noticed that there are a number of factors that contribute to this increase. Things like roadway type, time of day, and even vehicle type all play a significant role in contributing to these incidents.
Below are a few of the statistics the IIHS pointed out regarding these increases:
- There was an increase of 54% in pedestrian deaths in urban areas, which “include both cities and what most people consider suburbs.” They also “increased 67% on arterials, 50% at non-intersections and 56% in the dark.”
- Although pedestrian crashes generally involved cars, “fatal single-vehicle crashes involving SUVs increased 8%, more than any other type of vehicle.”
Aside from recognizing that pedestrian accidents have increased in number, the IIHS also shared some ways in which communities can work to improve the level of safety so that there are safer ways for pedestrians to maneuver through the streets.
One example the source provided is the Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon (PHB). This sign would stay dark until “a pedestrian pushes a button, at which point it flashes yellow, and then moves to solid yellow before activating two solid red lights.” This particular type of beacon, which was once recognized as the HAWK, has “been shown to reduce crashes.” Another is that cities could add sidewalks, curb extensions, or median crossing islands so that pedestrians are provided with alternative ways to cross. IIHS says that curb extensions and median crossing islands “can shorten the distance people must walk across or allow them to traverse just a couple of lanes and a single direction of traffic at a time.”
Reducing speed limits is another option to helping decrease the severity of these types of accidents. Far too often, drivers are permitted to go faster than they should in areas that are prone to having pedestrians cross the roadway. The fact is, “the faster a car is moving, the less time the driver has to see a pedestrian and slow or stop.” And the reality is, “higher impact speeds also result in more injurious crashes.”
The final improvement the IIHS recommended could be made to help reduce these types of crashes is to improve vehicle performance. Although many cars and trucks today are already equipped with technology that helps prevent an impact, other auto manufacturers may still need to climb aboard. One of the useful features the source pointed out was the front crash prevention system, which works to “recognize pedestrians” and would help drivers avoid engaging in an accident with one. The source highlighted that one vehicle, the Subaru, which had the pedestrian detection installed, “had claim rates for pedestrian injuries that were 35 % lower than the same vehicles without the system.”
Therefore, if all vehicles were made with this innovative technology, we could potentially see a decline in these types of accidents. However, despite all the improvements that are made, or could be made, and the safety precautions that can be taken, until drivers are aware that pedestrians share the roadway too and operate their vehicle keeping this in mind, we may still continue to see these incidents happen.
Now, if you are a pedestrian who has been injured by a driver in Nashville, TN and are looking for a TN personal injury attorney to help you recoup the compensation you need for the expenses that have accrued as a result of the accident, contact the Law Office of George R. Fusner, Jr. today. The truth is, you may be entitled to collect hundreds or even thousands of dollars as a result of this incident and you only have a limited time to pursue the at-fault party for this compensation as there is a statute of limitations to file a claim.
So, if you are ready to speak with a Nashville, TN personal injury lawyer, visit or call the Law Office of George R. Fusner, Jr. at:
7104 Peach Court
Brentwood, TN 37027
Phone- 615-251-0005
Fax- 615-370-8447
