Last year, 6,227 pedestrians died in traffic accidents in the U.S. – the highest number in nearly 30 years, according to the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA). This figure represents a 4% increase from 2017 and the highest annual number of pedestrian fatalities since 1990. The GHSA reported that pedestrian fatalities accounted for 16% of all traffic fatalities.
What Are Pedestrian Deaths So High?
Experts say two main trends have led to a surge in pedestrian fatalities:
- Distracted driving and distracted pedestrians
- The increase in larger vehicles, such as SUVs and pickup trucks
The GHSA reported that smartphones are a potential cause of the increase in pedestrian fatalities. Both drivers and pedestrians are using smartphones and at an increasing rate.
Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents
Pedestrian accidents can occur for a variety of reasons. The most common causes of pedestrian accidents include:
- Speeding
- Driver distraction
- Unmarked crosswalks
- Failure to stop or yield
- Vehicle malfunction
- Improper lighting or dark conditions
- Bad weather
- Poor road conditions
- Intoxicated driving
Pedestrian accident cases typically depend on the duty of care owed by those involved. Duty of care is defined as the requirement that someone acts toward others with attention, watchfulness, and caution that a reasonable person in the circumstance would use. Under Virginia law, both drivers and pedestrians must follow the rules of the road.
Although it may seem obvious who was negligent in a pedestrian accident case, the courts look at a variety of factors when applying the facts to the negligence elements. An individual who negligently operates a vehicle and causes an injury to a pedestrian will likely be required to pay compensation to the injured pedestrian.
Pedestrian Death Statistics in Virginia
- In 2017, there were 114 pedestrian fatalities in Virginia – a 5.8% increase from the previous year, according to the Virginia Highway Safety Office.
- The 114 pedestrians killed accounted for 13.5% of all traffic fatalities.
- 78 of the pedestrian fatalities (68.4%) were on urban roadways, and 36 (31.6%) were on rural roads.
- 52 of the pedestrian fatalities involved alcohol, a 2% increase from 2016. Nearly half of all alcohol-related pedestrian fatalities occurred between 9 p.m. and 11:59 p.m. (21 of 52).
- The age groups that made up the highest percentages of pedestrian fatalities were 51 to 55 (12.3%), over 70 (12.3%), and 21 to 25 (10.5%).
- In 33 of the 114 pedestrian fatalities (29%), the pedestrian was not crossing at an intersection.
How Can Ruloff, Swain, Haddad, Morecock, Talbert & Woodward, P.C. Help Me?
If you have been injured in a pedestrian accident in Virginia and it was someone else’s fault, you may have the right to seek compensation for your losses. For over 30 years, the pedestrian accident attorneys at Ruloff, Swain, Haddad, Morecock, Talbert & Woodward, P.C. have been fighting for injury victims throughout Tidewater Virginia.
We are ready to aggressively pursue your pedestrian accident case to seek a recovery that will compensate you for the losses you’ve suffered and help get you back on your feet. If you have been injured in a pedestrian accident, contact Ruloff, Swain, Haddad, Morecock, Talbert & Woodward, P.C. today for a free initial consultation.