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2021 highlighted the dangers to pedestrians

On Behalf of | Jun 2, 2022 | Motor Vehicle Accidents |

Even a daily jog may turn into a nightmare when a reckless driver crashes into a pedestrian. Pedestrians might find themselves being additionally careful when crossing California streets because fatal accidents are on the rise. 2021 proved to be a tragic year on American roads, and nothing indicates 2022 will be any better. Perhaps dangerous driving habits established in 2020 will continue to carry over into future years.

2021 and vehicle collisions

2021 didn’t merely seem like a year when car accidents increased. Data from government agencies proves an increase in pedestrian fatalities occurred. According to Governors Highway Safety Association estimates, 7,485 pedestrians died in 2021, a number higher than what the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimated. Several underlying reasons contributed to the grim numbers.

2020 saw fewer drivers on the road, prompting some to embrace unsafe habits, such as speeding. Speeding makes it harder to stop and avoid accidents in time, among other safety-undermining problems. Pedestrians crossing the street may be struck by a speeding car, but the accident might never occur if the person drove safely.

Other reasons for pedestrian accidents

Several other reasons contribute to motor vehicle accidents involving pedestrians and other cars. Distracted driving continues to be a disastrous problem, and there is no shortage of things that contribute to distracted driving. Intoxicated driving adds to the dangers, and so do a variety of reckless moving violations.

Pedestrians may face additional risks because many commuters prefer pickup trucks and SUVs. These massive vehicles carry more mass and weight capable of inflicting great harm.

Infrastructure problems make things dangerous for pedestrians as well. Crumbling sidewalks may lead pedestrians to walk in the street, which is risky even for short distances. Some areas may lack sidewalks, such as some sections of road that offer a shoulder and little else.

The design of some roads may be outdated or dangerous. These roads could lack pedestrian islands or other structures intended to improve pedestrian safety.

And irresponsible driving behaviors could make bad situations even worse. Negligent motorists may regret their decisions when they cause an accident and face a civil lawsuit.

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