Pedestrians are quite vulnerable in traffic. They have nothing to protect them from the force of impact. They also cannot move as quickly as vehicles. Pedestrian crashes can occur anywhere and anytime.
Joggers might end up injured by an inattentive driver backing out of their driveway first thing in the morning. People walking to their cars after grocery shopping on their lunch breaks are also at risk of getting hurt. Statistically, going out walking after the sun sets is far more dangerous than walking during the day.
According to the Federal Highway Administration, 76% of the pedestrian fatalities in 2018 occurred after dark. The statistics from that year largely align with information gathered other years as well. Drivers are less likely to actively look for pedestrians after dark.
How can people on foot stay as safe as possible when traveling at night?
Choose lighted paths and crosswalks
Many serious pedestrian collisions occur at unlighted locations. Pedestrians who specifically choose routes with overhead lights and marked crosswalks may be a bit safer than those walking on the shoulder or crossing it unmarked, unlike locations. Lighting makes it easier for drivers to spot pedestrians nearby as they approach.
Invest in illuminated or reflective safety gear
It is very easy for drivers to overlook pedestrians in the dark, and people who want to prioritize safety need to draw attention to their presence on the road. There are safety vests and similar gear with LED lights built in. That gear can help draw the attention of approaching motorists in traffic. Reflective clothing can also help draw attention when the headlights of a vehicle hit the reflective strips.
Be wary in rural settings
Many of the worst pedestrian collisions take place on rural roads. Higher speed limits combined with less overhead lighting can be very dangerous for a pedestrian. Pedestrians may also want to make a point of communicating with others about when they leave and when they intend to return so that people are aware if they do not come back as scheduled.
If pedestrians end up injured by drivers, they may need to do more than just file an insurance claim. Pursuing a personal injury lawsuit may be necessary after a car-pedestrian collision. Large medical bills combined with lost wages may require more compensation than insurance alone provides.