How Can Pedestrian Accidents Be Avoided?

Photo of a kid crossing a busy intersection

News 12 says that in the past year it has reported more than 10 pedestrian accidents on Texoma roads. Due to this high number of pedestrian accidents in a small town, the Denison Police Department has offered some safety tips for pedestrians and drivers.

Most pedestrian accidents occur during the summer months since more people decide to walk to their destinations. Lt. Mike Eppler with the Denison Police says that these accidents are often preventable.

He says it is important for pedestrians to be vigilant when walking near the roadways, especially when walking at night. However, he added that it is vital for motorists to be just as vigilant.

Eppler told News 12 that drivers should “aim high in steering. Look down the road and see what’s in front of you. Don’t just focus on what’s right in front of your vehicle because you won’t have enough time to react if something does happen.”

How Common Are Fatal Pedestrian Accidents?

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), “in 2010, 4,280 pedestrians were killed and an estimated 70,000 were injured in traffic crashes in the United States.” That means every two hours a pedestrian died and every eight minutes a pedestrian sustained an injury.

Of the 32,885 fatalities in 2010, pedestrian accidents accounted for 13 percent. Although fatal pedestrian accidents have been on a downward trend since 2001, there was a 4 percent increase in 2010 when compared to the previous year.

The Law Offices of Aaron Allison – Austin Personal Injury Attorney

Source: http://www.kxii.com/home/headlines/Police-give-tips-to-avoid-p-267745501.html?ref=501