Pedestrian accidents common in Connecticut. Steps to stay safe.
What would you do if a car hit you while crossing the street? Sound far fetched? Pedestrian accidents happen every day. Actually, every 8 minutes, to be exact, a pedestrian sustains an injury in a traffic accident in America, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. That’s more than 69,000 injuries each year. Just recently, a Connecticut teenager was seriously injured while crossing the street in Simsbury.
Even worse, such accidents are sometimes fatal. In 2008, 4,378 pedestrians were killed in accidents nationwide. That figure has fallen every year since 1998, when 5,228 pedestrians were killed in America. But every death counts.
What can you do to protect yourself? Know the facts. Here’s who, when and where pedestrians are most often killed nationwide, according to statistics.
- Men be cautious – more than 70 percent of pedestrians killed are men.
- Be careful at night – 70 percent of pedestrian accidents happen after dark.
- Urban areas higher risk – 72 percent of accidents happen there.
- Weather not a factor – 89 percent of all pedestrian accidents happen during normal weather conditions.
That’s why the NHTSA recommends taking these steps to keep pedestrians safe.
- Cross the street at a designated crosswalk.
- Be careful at intersections. Drivers may fail to yield to pedestrians.
- Increase your visibility at night. Carry a flashlight and wear reflective clothing.
- Walk on a sidewalk or, if you must walk in the street, walk facing traffic.
Know the facts. Be aware. Pedestrian accidents are serious. If you’re a victim of a pedestrian accident, you need an aggressive law firm that means business. You need The Law Offices of Mark E. Salomone & Morelli.
Pedestrian accidents can change your life forever. This may be your only shot at getting the justice you deserve. Don’t leave your future to chance. Contact the Law Offices of Mark E. Salomone & Morelli.