Pedestrian accidents have reached a fever pitch level in the United States, posing a significant threat to public safety. These accidents have had devastating consequences, leading to injuries, disabilities, and loss of lives. Therefore, it is crucial to understand the causes of these pedestrian accidents and the mitigating measures that can be undertaken to curb this rising menace.
Pedestrians
The Magnitude of the Problem
According to the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA), a nonprofit organization, there were 7,485 pedestrian fatalities in 2021. This statistic marked the highest pedestrian fatalities in the last 41 years.
More astonishingly, pedestrian deaths have seen an astronomical rise in the recent past. Pedestrian deaths data from the year 2021 showed a 77 percent increase compared to 2010 data. While there have been some areas of the country that have seen improvements, such as Spokane, Washington, seeing a 29% decrease in pedestrian accidents from 2021 to 2022, the overall trend nationwide shows an alarming increase. These numbers reflect a pressing need for immediate intervention.
Causes of Pedestrian Accidents
According to GHSA, the number of pedestrian accidents has increased due to various factors. These include:
Inadequate Infrastructure Designs
One key factor contributing to pedestrian accidents in the country is inadequate road infrastructure to cater to pedestrian needs. Some roads have design flaws, such as the need for pedestrian sidewalks, crosswalks, and poorly placed traffic signals.
The lack of these pedestrian-friendly features makes it challenging for pedestrians to navigate the streets safely. The GHSA report observes that the highest proportion of pedestrian fatalities occurred on arterial roads in the suburbs, where road infrastructures lack these pedestrian-friendly features, placing them in harm’s way.
Distracted driving
Another significant cause of pedestrian accidents is distractions on the roads. It has been observed that a significant number of the accidents were a result of road distractions, mainly from mobile phone use.
According to a recent study, post-COVID-19, the use of mobile phones has been on the rise. During the pandemic, fewer pedestrians were on the roads as Americans kept indoors in line with government regulations. On the other hand, anxious drivers began using their phones to keep in touch with their loved ones.
However, due to fewer pedestrians, there were fewer accidents, and drivers became comfortable with their mobile use. Post-COVID-19, the number of pedestrians has increased while most drivers are still stuck in their old habit of mobile phone use, leading to more accidents.
Speeding
Although speed thrills and leads to an adrenaline rush, it kills. Driving a car at high speed gives the driver less control in an emergency.
Impaired Driving
Impaired driving due to alcohol intoxication, drug abuse, or medication is another factor that has led to a surge in pedestrian accidents. Impaired driving leads the driver to make wrong judgments on the road, which have often resulted in fatal pedestrian accidents.
Possible Measures to Curb the Crisis
State governments must conduct more sensitization campaigns to sensitize the masses to observe traffic rules. At the same time, drivers should be sensitized to the need to be observant of traffic rules, observe speed limits, reduce distractions, and ensure that they are not under the influence of any substance while on the roads.
Additionally, there is a need for state governments to enhance infrastructure designs to cater to the needs of pedestrians. Lastly, the widespread adoption of technological advancements such as intelligent traffic management systems, automated enforcement technologies, and pedestrian detection systems can aid in reducing pedestrian accidents.
In conclusion, the crisis of pedestrian accidents in the US demands immediate attention and effective strategies to ensure the safety of pedestrians. By improving urban design and infrastructure, addressing distracted and impaired driving, enhancing visibility, promoting pedestrian education, and encouraging collaborative efforts, we can create a safer environment for all road users and foster vibrant communities.
References
Governors Highway Safety Association. (2023). Pedestrian Traffic Fatalities by State: 2021 Preliminary Data. Retrieved July 15, 2023, https://www.ghsa.org/sites/default/files/2024-11/2023%20Pedestrian%20Traffic%20Fatalities%20by%20State.pdf
