March 31, 2022
As the weather warms up, more people will be out and about than usual. Although many of us are welcoming the warmer weather and sunshine, this also means that more pedestrians and cyclists will be sharing the roads with drivers. For pedestrians and drivers alike, it is crucial that they are proactive when they are sharing these often busy areas to prevent accidents from taking place.
According to recent national statistics, 5,977 pedestrians were killed in traffic crashes in the United States in 2017. Based on estimates, that equates to about one death every 88 minutes. This number has only increased since, with the National Center for Health Statistics estimating that 7,668 pedestrians died in pedestrian accidents in 2019.
Although pedestrian accidents and their associated injuries or deaths can occur in a variety of settings, they most often occur in urban ones. In 2019, 82 percent of pedestrian traffic deaths took place in urban settings, 73 percent occurred on the open road, 26 percent happened at intersections, and an alarming 80 percent involved dark lighting conditions with minimized visibility.
Unfortunately, New Hampshire is no stranger to pedestrian accidents. In fact, a recent local news report noted that a major pedestrian accident sent a man to the hospital with serious injuries. As more of these accidents take place across the state, it is no surprise that New Hampshire’s statewide data on pedestrian incidents also matches the trends taking place at the federal level. Pedestrian accidents in 2021 were on par with those in 2020, which were already on the increase, with incidents involving bicycles showing an especially concerning increase in frequency.
In light of the increase in pedestrian accidents, injuries, and deaths, local leaders and transportation experts are cautioning drivers and pedestrians alike to be more proactive when sharing the road. Although a variety of reasons can lead up to a pedestrian accident taking place, the most common causes are low visibility, distracted driving, left-hand turns, and unmarked crosswalks. Safety officials are also encouraging pedestrians to wear bright or reflective clothing, and for bikers to ensure that they have adequate signal indicators and lighting if riding in lower visibility conditions.
Some mental health experts, however, are also suggesting that other factors may be at play for the recent increase in accidents. These experts contend that with the COVID-19 pandemic, stresses associated with the public health emergency remain a factor. In fact, drivers and pedestrians alike are often multitasking and not being fully aware of their surroundings when feeling stressed or overwhelmed.
Do You Need a New Hampshire Personal Injury Lawyer?If you or someone you know was recently injured or killed in a New Hampshire car accident, contact the lawyers at Peter Thompson & Associates today for assistance. Our team of lawyers has years of experience representing injured clients in car accidents, pedestrian incidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, and more. We will fight to provide you with the support, legal expertise, and peace of mind you deserve so that you can proceed with your claim with ease. To schedule a free initial consultation with a member of our team today, contact us at 800-804-2004.