With the new year comes resolutions of healthier living and more exercise. With the great weather in eastern North Carolina, many people will put on their shoes, maybe leash up their dog, and head outside for a run or walk. In most situations, this type of activity would be considered great for your health. However, the story changes when it comes to sharing and navigating the roads with cars.
Pedestrian fatalities rise in North Carolina
A report from the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) says that in 2018, the U.S. had the most pedestrian fatalities in nearly 30 years after an increase of 4 percent in the number of pedestrian deaths in car accidents recorded in 2017. This report also showed that North Carolina is one of the states with the largest number of pedestrian deaths along with the highest year-over-year increase in pedestrian fatalities.
The GHSA states that the increase could be due in part to the increase in smartphone use over the past decade, which continues to be a source of distraction for both pedestrians and motorists alike. What this means is that more people are walking and they, as well as drivers, are often distracted by their smartphones.
Common Reasons for Accidents Involving Pedestrians
The GHSA says many factors outside the control of traffic safety officials contribute the number of pedestrian fatalities, the study points to the following reasons for pedestrian accident:
- Darkness is one reason. Nationally, about 75 percent of pedestrian fatalities in 2017 occurred after dark.
- Most of the fatalities occurred in the city on local streets, followed by highways. Ten percent occurred on interstates with motorists being struck while standing outside of their vehicles because of a minor accident or a mechanical issue.
- Alcohol impairment of either the pedestrian or the driver contributed to approximately half of the accidents that resulted in pedestrian fatalities in 2017.
At Hardee, Massey & Blodgett, we help people in eastern North Carolina who have been injured in pedestrian accidents caused by careless drivers and families of pedestrians killed by negligent drivers. During a free consultation, one of our experienced attorneys can review your case and explain your rights to compensation. It is important to report hit-and-run accidents to the authorities and ask for legal assistance immediately.