Police have closed a busy section of Orange Avenue in order to investigate an accident that occurred at approximately 9:50 am this morning. Witnesses say that two men were attempting to cross Orange Avenue when one of the men stepped onto the road in front of a recycling dump truck. The dump truck is owned by a private company.
The victim’s name has not been released.
A 2015 study indicated that pedestrians have the highest rates of vulnerability and risk of injury or death when compared to other road users. Even when compared to bicyclists, pedestrians sustain twice as many serious injuries and die more often.
Worldwide, 750,000 deaths are due to roadway pedestrian accidents. Most of these deaths occur in poor and undeveloped countries where using motorized vehicles is just beginning to evolve.
To help prevent tragedies such as the death that occurred this morning, the Governors Highway Safety Association studied pedestrian crash patterns and published a report on the topic.
The study found that most fatalities occur between the hours of 9 pm and 6 am. Accidents are more likely to occur in urban settings and that males are more likely than females to be killed in a pedestrian accident. Persons age 70 or older are most likely to be killed when struck by a car, however, persons aged 20-69 have seen a 28% increase in fatalities after a pedestrian accident since data started being recorded in 1975. Many people believe that the increase in deaths for this age group can be attributed to a renewed interest in health and obesity prevention as well as people interested in a “greener” form of transportation.
While both of the aforementioned reasons are terrific ones for leaving your car in the driveway and walking to work, as a community we need to make our roads safer for both drivers and pedestrians. Studying how and when accidents occur is the first step to saving lives.
Pedestrians and motorists must be educated when it comes to sharing the road. Using these strategies as a pedestrian may save your life:
- Walk facing traffic.
- In daytime, wear bright colors that stand out.
- Do not use a phone or wear headphones while walking or running alongside of a road that is also being used by motorized vehicles.
- Limit alcohol intake. Many victims, especially those killed at night had BAC levels that were higher than the state legal limits for driving.
- When crossing a road or intersection, make eye contact with the driver and wait for them to make a complete stop, before stepping onto the road.
- Use crosswalks.
- Constantly scan the road for vehicles. Don’t hesitate to jump to the side of the road if you think a driver is going to hit you.
- Wear reflective clothing and use headlamps, flashlights, and flashing armbands at night.
Drivers can use these strategies to avoid hitting and possibly causing a wrongful death of a pedestrian.
- Stay alert and watch for people walking alongside the roadway or crossing the street.
- If your vehicle doesn’t have a back-up warning system, have one installed.
- Do not drink and drive.
- Do not text and drive.
- Pay attention to signs at busy intersections.
- Make eye contact with pedestrians and wave at them. This lets them know that you have seen them.
- Leave at least 4 feet of space when passing a pedestrian.
If you or someone you love has been injured or killed in a pedestrian accident, call The Thomson Law Firm for a FREE consultation today.
(540) 777-4900.
