Over the past decade, there has been a drastic increase in pedestrian accidents across the country. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), pedestrian fatalities rose by 53% from 2009 to 2018.

This means a pedestrian is killed every 88 minutes on average, making up 17% of all traffic fatalities. Additionally, pedestrian injuries have increased at an alarming rate.

Why Are Pedestrian Accidents So High?

There are a number of reasons why pedestrian accidents have increased 8-fold over the past few years:.

Distracted Driving

Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of pedestrian accidents. Drivers who are texting, using their phone or GPS, eating, or even talking to passengers can miss seeing a pedestrian crossing the road or walking on the sidewalk.

Many drivers have blind spots that make it difficult to see pedestrians, especially when turning a corner or reversing. This is why it is always important to look both ways before crossing the road and to make eye contact with the driver.

Lack of Pedestrian Safety Measures

Most roads and intersections are designed primarily for cars, which means that pedestrians are often left without proper safety measures. This can include things like a lack of crosswalks, poorly lit areas, or inadequate sidewalks.

All of these things can make it difficult for pedestrians to safely navigate the roads.

Driver Negligence

Sometimes, driver negligence can be to blame for pedestrian accidents. This can include things like speeding, running red lights, or driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

What Can Be Done?

In order to reduce pedestrian accidents and improve pedestrian safety, a number of measures can be implemented:.

Improving Infrastructure

One of the most effective ways to improve pedestrian safety is by improving infrastructure. This can include things like installing more crosswalks and pedestrian signals, creating bike lanes, and improving sidewalks and street lighting.

Enforcing Traffic Laws

Another way to reduce pedestrian accidents is by enforcing traffic laws. This can include things like increasing the penalties for distracted driving, speeding, and other dangerous behaviors that put pedestrians at risk.

Increasing Public Awareness

Increasing public awareness about pedestrian safety can also go a long way in reducing accidents.

This can include things like educating drivers on the importance of slowing down in residential areas and around schools, as well as reminding pedestrians about the importance of being visible and crossing the street safely.

Conclusion

The increase in pedestrian accidents over the past few years is a cause for concern. However, there are a number of things that can be done to improve pedestrian safety and reduce the number of accidents on our roads.

By improving infrastructure, enforcing traffic laws, and increasing public awareness, we can make our communities safer and more pedestrian-friendly.