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.
blogs
California Lemon Laws: How Exactly Do They Work?
Buying a car in California, whether brand new or slightly used is always an exciting experience. Even if you already have a few in your garage, the thought of painting the town red in a new ride is nothing but thrilling. So, it can be incredibly disappointing if your new or used car keeps on […]
Five Apps Every Trucker Should Have
Driving a tractor trailer or any other large vehicle isn’t just about long hours, lots of miles and making sure you’re still driving safely after those lengthy days. It’s a lifestyle, and like any other connected lifestyle in the 21st century, there are plenty of apps to go around designed to help make a truck […]
Winter Driving Safety Tips
Having your winter tires installed on your car and packing a windshield scraper is a good start to being prepared to drive in the winter, but as the cold weather gets harsher, the driving conditions get worse. With this comes the tendency for some people to overcorrect or not know how to stop properly, or […]
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 […]
Five Helpful Facts About Dog Bites
Dog bites are not only relatively common, but they can be incredibly dangerous. If you’re bitten by a dog, you run the risk of the obvious wound to your flesh or bone, but you also are at risk for an infection, including tetanus and rabies. It can be helpful to know how to treat such […]
Slip and Fall Injuries in Arizona and California
In desert climates especially, some property managers have a tendency to not count on inclement weather when it comes to the upkeep of their properties. This means that, over time, things like rain and seismic shifts can slowly wear away at all kinds of surfaces, making them unsafe to walk on. While property managers may […]
Personal Injury Lawsuits: What You Need to Know and how RS Law Office Can Help
Life is pretty unpredictable. One minute you’re healthy and bubbly, the next one you are nursing an injury due to someone else’s negligence. But the fact that life is unpredictable does not in any way reduce the pain and confusion that may arise when you find yourself in harm’s way due to another person’s negligence. […]
Five Pedestrian Accident Facts
Some numbers have Arizona as the most dangerous state in the U.S. when it comes to pedestrians. They are in the most danger by simply being outnumbered, which means accidents are likely to rise as the number of automobiles on the road continues to rise. It is important for you to not only understand how […]
Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in the United States
Whether due to size, or footprint of the motorcycle, or sheer stability, or a combination of these factors, motorcycles are much more likely to be involved in an accident than other automobiles. Certainly, in some cases, this is a visibility issue as well, with many drivers of other automobiles not looking in their blind spots […]
Tips for Avoiding Slip & Fall Accidents
Slipping and falling is hilarious in the movies and on TV, but when you enter the real world, slipsand falls are some of the most dangerous causes of personal injuries one can experience outside of a vehicle accident. Slip and fall accidents can happen anywhere and for many reasons – a simple spill, a loose […]
контактная форма
