Pedestrians are hit by cars on a regular basis. While most of the time these are accidental, the driver of the vehicle is usually at fault. In fact, in 2019, pedestrians accounted for 17% of all motor vehicle crash fatalities with 21% of those being from hit-and-run accidents (IIHS, 2021).
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MOST COMMON CAUSES OF PEDESTRIANS HIT BY CARS
Distracted Driving
Distracted drivers are one of the most common causes of pedestrians hit by cars. From using their cell phone and texting to eating, drinking, or looking behind them to check on their crying baby, it's often these few seconds of not watching that road that cause many pedestrian accidents.
Speeding
Speeding is a common cause of pedestrians hit by cars simply due to the fact it takes longer to slow a car that is moving faster than one that is going slower, so you don't have the time you need to slow down.
DUIs
Driving under the influence is never a good idea because you put not only yourself at risk, but so many others, too. Drunk drivers cause their fair share of pedestrian accidents, either because they are so impaired they don't see the person, or they can't react fast enough to stop.
Failing to Yield
So many drivers just blow through red lights and stop signs because they are in a hurry and don't want to stop. Failing to yield to a pedestrian at or in an intersection can cause so many pedestrian accidents. Pedestrians always have the right of way.
Driving Too Fast for Conditions
Inclement weather is never fun to drive in, but it can be a cause for many more crashes, including pedestrians hit by cars. From fog to snow and ice, many pedestrians are hit from vehicles driving too fast for conditions and therefore cannot slow down in time to prevent a collision. Poor visibility is also a common cause of pedestrian accidents.
Backing Up
We've all heard stories about people (children especially) being hit by someone backing up, whether it's at their home or in a parking lot. Backup cameras in vehicles have helped significantly reduce these types of accidents, but you still need to double and triple check that no one is behind you before backing up.
Not every pedestrian accident is the fault of the driver. Some pedestrians hit by vehicles are at fault themselves.
Jaywalking
Jaywalking is jargon for a pedestrian crossing the street illegally. Pedestrians are only supposed to cross the street at crosswalks or other designated places for pedestrians. This term can also be applied to those who cross in a crosswalk, but in disobedience to the sign. Jaywalking is a crime, and you can get a ticket for it. This is because you are putting yourself and the driver in harm's way when you do so. While all of us have run across the street in order to save time from walking all the way to a crosswalk, it's always prudent to use.
Not Giving Drivers Leeway
Many pedestrians hit by cars run, dart, or step into the road without giving drivers time to stop. This applies even if you are in a crosswalk. You cannot step in front of a 1,000 lb moving vehicle because it can't stop in time. Many accidents are caused by children running into the road to chase a ball or toy. These accidents can be severe.
THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE DRIVER
Drivers must exercise vigilance for roadways. Otherwise, they can be found negligent, which can result in civil and legal penalties. In Texas, if a negligent driver hits a pedestrian inside a crosswalk, it is now a Class A misdemeanor and can lead to up to two years in jail. Drivers must always yield to pedestrians and be on the lookout for them at all times.
Anytime you have a force of a 1,000 lb or more vehicle coming into contact with another object, the energy from the moving vehicle will be transferred to the object. This leads to people being thrown through the air and landing hard, which is where a majority of the injuries come from. And, the faster the vehicle is traveling, the stronger the force that is applied, and the more likely severe injuries will occur. With slower-moving vehicles, the accidents tend to occur from the vehicle's tires running the person over.
THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE PEDESTRIAN
Pedestrians are responsible for their own safety when it comes to cars and roads. They must obey all traffic control devices, not jaywalk, and use caution every time they enter a roadway. Texas law states that pedestrians cannot walk along or on a roadway if there is an adjacent sidewalk. Plus, pedestrians cannot stand in the roadway to solicit rides or a job. Of course, they must give drivers time to stop before stepping into a crosswalk.