Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in Arizona
In 2016, more than 1400 Arizona pedestrians were injured in accidents, and sadly, 147 individuals lost their lives while walking in Arizona. Our state is one of the country’s worst for pedestrian accidents. Naturally, there are many reasons for these accidents ranging from distractions to poor driver habits and poor pedestrian caution. Arizona authorities have continued to work on making roads and walkways safer through laws and signage.
There is still much work to do. Drivers and pedestrians alike continue to be distracted by cell phones and other activities. Drivers do not always obey traffic laws and often drive too quickly. Pedestrians may ignore safety warnings and fail to be ever mindful of the traffic around them. When these accidents occur, pedestrians should consult an experienced pedestrian injury attorney. This post explores seven of the most common causes of pedestrian accidents.
Failure to Obey Traffic Signals
Red lights are in place for both drivers, pedestrians, and bicyclists. When any of these push the limits of the timing on the lights and run through it, a violation occurs. When any of these do not verify that the area is clear, a dangerous collision may happen. Ignoring stop signs, or sneaking through at the last minute after a brief pause is a dangerous game to play for cars especially if the intersection is partially concealed.
Ignoring Right of Way Rules
Drivers must yield to pedestrians even at unmarked crosswalks. Whenever a driver fails to yield at a right of way, he or she is guilty of breaking the law and could be in trouble if an injury occurs. Pedestrians must always be prepared for unexpected movement of vehicles simply because of the sheer size and weight of the moving vehicles. A good way to know is to make eye contact with the driver in the vehicle and also use hand signals when appropriate before proceeding through an intersection.
Driving into the Road Without Looking
When a driver leaves a parking spot and does not verify the roadway is clear, an accident is in the offing. Pedestrians should not run through parking lots. Always look for rear lights, use hand signals, eye contact, and never assume the driver sees you. If they fail to look for a clear space, they could pull out right in front of you or back into you.
Making a Sudden Right Turn
Always stop immediately before making a turn. Executing a turn without stopping is a sure way to stun a pedestrian who is counting on a stop first. Moreover, there are instances where there is limited visibility in an intersection and the driver will not see a pedestrian walking across the street. Corners are often obscured by vegetation or structures that can hide those walking.
Walking Along a Narrow Road
There are roads that have little or no shoulder; these are tragedies waiting to happen when pedestrians are present. Drivers must be always mindful on these roads and not looking at cell phones, eating, or engaged in other activities. With no shoulder, there is no room for error. Drifting onto the edge of the road can cause a serious accident. Pedestrians should walk against traffic when on these types of roads.
Distracted Driving
A growing problem among drivers, walkers, and bicyclists, distracted driving is known to cause more accidents today than ever. Studies have found those using cell phones while driving are more impaired than some drivers are after consuming alcohol. Many states are considering distracted driver laws to protect more pedestrians, drivers, and bicyclists on the roads. Remain alert and focused while walking, bicycling, and driving.
DUI
There are no excuses for impairment caused by alcohol when it comes to pedestrian accidents resulting from DUIs. The National Highway Safety Administration reports that upwards of 15% of pedestrian accidents in the U.S. are caused by people driving while under the influence of alcohol or another controlled substance.
Brad Johnson Injury Law has experienced pedestrian accident attorneys in Phoenix & Avondale, experienced in helping those injured by others while walking retain their rights and be compensated for their injuries and suffering. Our attorneys will aggressively fight for those who are dealing with medical issues because of a pedestrian injury. Call Brad Johnson to schedule your consultation with one of our pedestrian injury attorneys today.