The Risks Pedestrians Face When Traveling at Night

Wink News recently reported that the Lee County Sheriff’s Office had to respond to a pedestrian-involved crash in Lee County on a recent Friday night. The accident caused a roadblock that remained in place for at least two hours before the scene cleared. The crash remains under investigation and more information is likely forthcoming about the extent of the pedestrian’s injuries in this accident.

However, it is clear that in general, pedestrians face a very real risk of injury while simply walking from one destination to another. And unfortunately, nighttime can heighten these risks.

How Dangerous Can Nighttime Be For Pedestrians?

A report published by the Governors Highway Safety Association earlier this year indicated that pedestrian deaths in 2018 were the highest that they have been in this country in three decades. While pedestrian deaths have been on the rise since 2009, the report estimates that there were over 6,000 pedestrians who were fatally injured in motor vehicle accidents last year.

Significantly, that report also found that nighttime crashes have accounted for more than 90 percent of the total increase in pedestrian deaths.

What Factors Make Nighttime Be So Dangerous For Pedestrians?

There are several factors that make walking at night more risky than traveling during the daytime. These factors include:

• Low visibility. There is a reason why we all turn on lights when we walk into a dark room – because it makes it easier to see. This is also why it’s easier for drivers to see pedestrians during the daytime than at night.
• Inappropriate attire. Dark clothing that lacks reflective panels can easily make pedestrians blend in with their nighttime surroundings.
• Greater impairment. It is also much more likely for people to have used drugs or alcohol before climbing behind the wheel of a car at night and unfortunately, there is a lower chance that an impaired driver will notice a pedestrian than a sober one.

Why Can These Accidents Have Such Severe Consequences For Pedestrians?

Sadly, a person who is walking has no protection around him or her. Therefore, his or her body takes the full brunt of the vehicle’s impact in a motor vehicle collision unlike when one vehicle hits another. Just as a smaller vehicle is at a disadvantage when involved in an accident with a larger vehicle, people are also at a disadvantage when involved in a collision with a vehicle.

Have You or a Loved One Been Injured in an Accident While Walking?

Pedestrians are some of the most vulnerable people traveling on the road which can lead to some of the most tragic implications. We understand that in these circumstances, you and your family are likely struggling to understand and recover from what has happened. And if you have lost a loved one in a pedestrian accident, we can help you hold the responsible parties accountable. As the experienced Fort Myers personal injury attorneys of The Pendas Law Firm, we have helped many people in similar circumstances and we have the experience that you need to help you recover the compensation you are entitled to. Contact us today to begin.

The Pendas Law Firm also represents clients in the Orlando, Tampa, Bradenton, Jacksonville, West Palm Beach, Miami, Fort Lauderdale and Daytona Beach areas.

Resource:

winknews.com/2019/07/26/lee-county-crash-on-bass-rd-with-roadblock/

https://www.pendaslaw.com/getting-out-of-a-trapped-car-after-an-accident/