Car accidents involving pedestrians can result in serious and tragic injuries. Pedestrians are often hit due to driver negligence or traffic law violations, such as failing to yield, speeding, not stopping for school buses, distracted driving, or impaired driving. If you have suffered damages due to pedestrian accidents, click here to learn more about what you can do.
Causes of Pedestrian Accidents:
The safety of pedestrians is a top priority when it comes to road traffic. Unfortunately, some drivers fail to adhere to traffic laws, putting pedestrians at risk. Here are some common ways drivers can endanger pedestrians and ways to prevent such incidents.
Failing to Yield the Right-of-way to Pedestrians:
Drivers often fail to yield the right-of-way to pedestrians at crosswalks and intersections. This can result in a pedestrian being struck by a vehicle, causing serious injuries or even fatalities. It is crucial for drivers to remain vigilant and yield to pedestrians who are crossing the street legally.
Speeding:
Speeding is another major contributor to pedestrian accidents. Speeding drivers are less likely to be able to stop in time to avoid hitting a pedestrian. The braking distance required for a car traveling at 40 mph to stop is approximately 80 ft, which is a considerable distance. Therefore, drivers must adhere freshersweb.com to speed limits to ensure they have enough time to react and avoid hitting pedestrians.
Not Yielding to School Bus:
Drivers must yield to school buses with flashing red lights, indicating they are loading or unloading passengers. This is particularly important in school zones and residential areas where children are likely to be present. Failing to stop for a school bus can result in serious consequences, not just for the driver, but also for the safety of children.
Distracted Driving:
Distracted driving is a major issue that can lead to pedestrian accidents. Drivers who are on their phones, texting, eating, or engaging with passengers in the back seat may be distracted and can easily miss seeing pedestrians, resulting in a collision. Therefore, it is important for drivers to remain focused on the road and avoid engaging in any distracting activities.
Impaired Driving:
Impaired driving is a major contributor to pedestrian accidents. Drivers who are under the influence of drugs or alcohol have compromised judgment, vision, and reaction time, making them a danger to themselves and others on the road. It is essential for drivers to never operate a vehicle while under the influence of any substance.
Final Thoughts:
Hiring a lawyer for pedestrian accidents in Tacoma can provide legal expertise and support to help you pursue compensation for your injuries and damages.