Hey Wisconsin Drivers- Watch Out For Pedestrians

Posted by rozeklawoffice on January 26, 2010 under Avoiding Car Accidents, Drunk Driving, General, Pedestrian Accidents | Be the First to Comment

Pedestrian accidents can result in catastrophic injuries. Pedestrians are particularly vulnerable because they do not benefit from the protection of an automobile. Each year in the United States there are approximately 5,000 pedestrian accidents that result in death. In Wisconsin, there are approximately 50 deaths every year attributable to pedestrian vs. automobile accidents.

Did you know?……

*Pedestrian fatalities account for more 10% of all motor vehicle related deaths.

*More than 20% of pedestrians who are killed by a motor vehicle were legally intoxicated and in about 50% of fatalities either the driver or the pedestrian had a measurable blood alcohol level.

* Elderly adults of 70 years and older comprise less than 10% of the population but account for almost 20% of all pedestrian fatalities – the death rate for this group is the highest of any age group.

* Pedestrian fatality rate for males was more than twice that for females. Non-fatal injury rates for male pedestrians were 50% higher than for females

* 70% of pedestrian accidents happen in urban areas however deaths due to pedestrian accidents are much higher in rural areas. These higher fatality rates would probably be down to higher driving speed and less convenient access to medical care.

Wisconsin requires pedestrians to obey the Rules of the Road, just as automobile operators. Pedestrians must yield to automobiles when crossing a road if there is no intersection or crosswalk, or if the pedestrian does not have a green or “walk” signal and where the automobiles do have a green signal. Pedestrians must also walk on a sidewalk if one is available. If no sidewalk is available, then pedestrians must walk on and along the left side of a highway.

Most pedestrian accidents involve being hit by a moving vehicle when walking along the pavement or crossing the road at the intersection or mid-point. However, pedestrian accidents sometimes do not involve any vehicles and are rather caused by poor maintenance of roads and pavements including potholes construction and debris.

Either way, it is important for everyone on the road to remember that pedestrians have a right to use the sidewalk and street when following the rules of the road. Drinking, whether walking or driving, is dangerous. Always watch where you are going and be aware of others in the right of way.

For more information on Pedestrian Accidents.