Pedestrian safety is of utmost importance right now, and not just because pedestrians legally have the right of way in most places in the United States. Being a
safer pedestrian is always key to avoiding injuries by being aware of ones surroundings and avoiding distractions, but as it stands, North Americans are not stemming the tide of pedestrian accidents. It was recently announced that pedestrian deaths have reached their highest numbers in forty years. It is such a problem that the Transportation Secretary, Pete Buttigieg, is trying to get $5 billion to help make streets safer for pedestrians and bicyclists.
The most shocking part of this increase in pedestrian deaths is that, for almost three decades, pedestrians deaths were decreasing, but in 2021 alone, there were about 7,500 pedestrian deaths. At the same time, motor vehicle accidents are also on the rise, and the cause isn’t exactly clear. What is clear, though, is that America has a disproportionate number of traffic deaths each year compared to other countries, so these deaths are preventable. One possible reason for this is that road quality has decreased overall, and that local governments don’t often have the funds on hand to do the “smaller” repairs that can help increase road quality and safety. By not prioritizing these repairs, it is possible that we are not prioritizing the safety of pedestrians, either.
Diligence on the part of pedestrians and drivers alike is the first step to decreasing this fatality rate down to a hopeful zero. Helping spread awareness of the problem is something we can all do, reminding people to dress in a way where they can be seen and reminding people to stay off their devices when they drive and walk. There is also the Safe Streets and Roads for All grant.
If the Safe Streets and Roads for All program is successful, a grant will go to local governments to increase road quality and, therefore, road safety. The grants will be distributed over the next five years, to help supplement any local programs, or lack thereof, since the federal government does not and cannot fix local roadways.
Awareness is key to safety, much as road quality is an important factor. Being a conscientious pedestrian, bike rider and automobile driver will keep all pedestrians safe. Technology is another way in which pedestrian safety can be increased. Researchers at Ohio State are currently developing a pedestrian
safety app, something that is lacking in the current electronic marketplace. The app is being designed to notify drivers of pedestrians before they are in view, or if they are out of view, to help avoid accidents due to blind spots or other factors.
If you have been involved in a pedestrian accident, you should contact us so that we can advise as to your next steps to make sure you remain protected and are compensated to the fullest extent of the law.
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Pedestrian Safety
For obvious reasons, there’s much more discussion out there about safe driving, or even safe bicycle riding, than there is about being a safe pedestrian. After all, it seems like we should just be able to walk safely down a street, and especially where pedestrians have right of way, walking seems like the safest option. […]
Ridesharing and Car Accidents
Ridesharing services like Uberpool and Lyft are a pretty popular way to get around. According to surveys, the ridesharing industry will reportedly have a market value of over $220 by 2025. However, this increasing popularity is no surprise, as ridesharing services are convenient and cheap. However, while convenient, ridesharing services are not all sunshine and […]
Finding the Right Mechanic
In a state like California, which is full of drivers, it is interesting that finding a trustworthy mechanic is such a difficult task. There are many inscrutable technicians out. It is not uncommon to be informed, months after the supposed installment, that your “brand new brakes” have actually never been changed. And, surprisingly, even in […]
More Apps for Increased Rideshare Safety
If every ride you take is just you and an unknown driver, it doesn’t hurt to look into your safety options. And while any unsure situation could potentially turn dangerous, you can do yourself a favor by finding helpful methods for letting people know where you are and where you’re going to be, and generally […]
Apps for Increased Rideshare Safety
Rideshares can be fun and convenient, but if you’re putting your life in the hands of a stranger by taking a rideshare, you’ll want to feel safe. No one wants to be put in a situation where they feel unsafe or lost, or where they might end up in a ridesharingaccident. Here are some apps […]
Types of Damages in a Motorcycle Accident
Motorcycles are an easy, exhilarating way to get around. No getting stuck in traffic and you can hit the gas pedal to the max. Exciting, right? Well, here’s the catch; although exciting, motorcycles are incredibly dangerous. A report by the Insurance Information Institute shows motorcyclists are usually 27 times more likely to lose their lives […]
Great Motorcycle Roads in Arizona
There’s no freer way to see the great state of Arizona than to travel it by motorcycle. Being one of the last gateways to the West Coast, our streets are manifold, so your options are virtually endless. Whether you’re touring to see the mountains, the wildlife, the succulents or other plants, or just visit towns […]
Personal Injury – Why You Should Never Wait
We’ve all been told to “walk it off” before. Whether it’s for a pain, injury or just not feeling well, a lot of people will be there to tell you it’s probably nothing. And while it is important to keep a positive mindset, you should also pay attention to your body and not push yourself […]
Scooter Safety
Since the program began in 2018, when the city of Los Angeles legalized scooters and made a plan to distribute more, they have been a ubiquitous addition to the city streets. Touted as a boon to lower-income people who would have difficulty purchasing and maintaining cars, the scooters were a popular initiative. They were approved […]
Tips for Driving in the Rain
Especially in areas like LA, where rainfall is not as popular an occurrence, drivers can seem to lose their minds as soon as the first drop hits the pavement. Every year, an estimated 21% of all crashes are related to weather conditions. You need to keep yourself and your family safe on the road, no […]
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