Pedestrian Accidents

125 individuals are killed every year while trying to cross a street in Maryland. It’s a statistic that  has police concerned, especially because another 2,900 people are hospitalized with a range of injuries due to auto-pedestrian crashes.

Statistics 

Across the country, over 70 pedestrian deaths occur every minute.  Here in Maryland, nearly 60 percent of pedestrian collisions occur in the Baltimore Metro area. Over half of pedestrians involved in these accidents are men, who also make up roughly three-fourths of the fatalities. About a quarter of both pedestrians and drivers associated with these crashes are under age 35.

Speed Matters 

It goes without saying that pedestrians are extremely vulnerable when they’re out on roadways. Logically, the speed at which a vehicle is traveling affects the amount of damage that a pedestrian may suffer.  It’s a little food for thought for drivers in residential areas:

Safety Rules for Drivers 

There are simple things every driver can do to ensure the safety of pedestrians:

• Keep an eye out for pedestrians all the time, even on freeways.
• During inclement weather and at night, be extra cautious.
• Be prepared to stop when approaching a crosswalk.
• Stop with plenty of room when a pedestrian is in the crosswalk.
• Refrain from passing vehicles that are stopped at a crosswalk.
• Be free of drugs and alcohol when driving.
• Adhere to posted speed limits, particularly in neighborhoods, school zones, and when there are pedestrians out and about.
• Properly look out prior to exiting a driveway or parking lot.

Staying Safe as a Pedestrian 

Naturally, pedestrians should always be aware of traffic.  They should stay on sidewalls when available and walk toward oncoming traffic as far away from it as possible when there are no sidewalks.  At night, wear reflective clothing or lights. Remember to cross only in crosswalks, remaining alert for drivers who may roll through stop signs or try to beat a red light. Kids need to learn not to chase errant balls into the street or otherwise dart into traffic. And every pedestrian, regardless of age, should avoid distractions like their cell phones or loud headphones prior to crossing the street. Finally, be especially cautious around driveways and parking lot entrances.

Following a Pedestrian Accident 

If you or a family member has been seriously injured or killed in an auto-pedestrian collision, the anger, frustration, and pain of the experience can be overwhelming.  But the experienced La Plata & Waldorf personal injury attorneys at The Law Office of Hammad S. Matin, P.A. are here to help. Don’t become overwhelmed in the aftermath of an accident; rely on us to handle the details.  Schedule a confidential consultation today.

Source:

zerodeathsmd.gov/news/pedestrian-crash-statistics-2022/#:~:text=Maryland%20drivers%20are%20involved%20in,traffic%20crash%20was%20a%20pedestrian