A few months ago, I gave in to my family’s request for a dog.
We decided to adopt a 18 month old yellow lab. She’s a great dog. Like all dogs, she has to be fed, groomed and walked. My kids and my wife have done a great job of taking care of all of these.
I sometimes help with the walks and that is when I really started to wonder about the level of safety for pedestrians in my community. We live on a street without sidewalks in a residential neighborhood. The streets are generally quiet and most drivers adhere to the 25 mph speed limit.
But even at the slow speed of 25mph, the human body is no match for a 4,000 pound plus vehicle.
From 2009 to 2017, there was a 45% increase in pedestrian-vehicle collision fatalities. I can’t help but wonder if my wife or my kids will become a statistic?
Speed is a Huge Factor in these Collisions
Most pedestrians are struck on roadways with speed limits less than 40mph and yet, they still die. That’s why the presence of pedestrian detection systems are becoming important factors in preventing and minimizing injuries from vehicle-pedestrian collisions. Pedestrian detection systems are safety devices available on some vehicles that sense human movement in front of a vehicle and can alert the driver. It is then up to the driver to avoid the pedestrian by braking or steering the vehicle away from the pedestrian. So, while the Pedestrian Detection System alerts the driver it does not do anything to stop the collision from occurring. That responsibility remains with the driver.
Because of the rising rate of fatalities, auto manufacturers are beginning to link pedestrian detection systems in with their automatic emergency braking systems. Doing this allows for the car to reduce speed automatically even if the driver does not react when alerted to presence of a pedestrian. Slowing the vehicle before impact is better and may result in less serious injuries or fewer deaths. Of course, roadways free of vehicle-pedestrian collisions are best.
Another reason pedestrian fatality rates are increasing is the increased ownership of taller vehicles, like SUV’s. High riding SUV’s and light trucks make up 70% of the vehicles on US roadways. These taller vehicles hit pedestrians in the abdomen or even the head, instead of the legs and these injuries tend to be more severe and are more likely to result in paralysis or death.
It Will Take More Than Safer Car Design to Make the Roads Safer for Pedestrians
While safer designs will help tame the rate of fatalities and injuries resulting from motor vehicle and pedestrian collisions, it won’t eliminate them.
Street design that does not account for pedestrians is also to blame for these crashes. Weak or non-existent street lighting and too few crosswalks have also been factors in pedestrian crashes. Where possible designing roadways with marked footpaths and raised crosswalks would save lives. Adding better lighting to streets and at intersections has also been proven to promote pedestrian safety.
Lowering speed limits is also a strategy that many urban areas have implemented. The City of Roanoke is among these with 15 mph speed limits in school zones.
Another strategy that can be implemented is building pedestrian islands and raised medians to roadways. These can be incorporated into “traffic calming” designs, which have been very successful in reducing motor vehicle collisions in major cities and even here at home in Southeast Roanoke City.
Pedestrians Also Play an Important Role in Their Own Safety
As stated earlier, the human body is no match for 4,000 pounds of steel in a 25 mph collision. Sadly, many pedestrians don’t take necessary precautions to help prevent being hit by a car when walking on the roadway. As surprising as it is, 1/3 of pedestrian fatalities are related to the use of alcohol…. by the pedestrian. You read that right, the walker was drinking, not the driver. Other accidents have been caused by pedestrians stepping onto roadways while looking at their cell phones instead of checking to make sure the roadway was clear. Seventy-five percent of all pedestrian-vehicle collisions occur at night, when visibility is compromised.
Pedestrians should not take to roadways after drinking. When walking at night be sure to wear reflective clothing and carry a flashlight. Wearable lights and headlamps are also terrific options. Pedestrians should also walk facing traffic and obey all traffic rules, including walking in crosswalks.
Learn more about being a safe pedestrian by clicking here.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a vehicle-pedestrian collision, call The Thomson Law Firm for a FREE CASE EVALUATION BY A ROANOKE PERSONAL INJURY LAWYER. An intake specialist is ready to talk to you about your potential personal injury case. The call is free, just dial (540) 777-4900 today or fill out the contact us form.
