Our blog on Monday discussed the dangers faced by pedestrians, and there is data to prove it. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, a pedestrian suffers injuries in a collision with an automobile every eight minutes in the United States. Children under age 15 represent over a quarter of the accident victims.
As kids return to school this month, there will be more pedestrians on the sidewalks and at intersections. How many times a day do you see someone talking on his or her cell phone behind the wheel? Adding distracted driving to the mix makes it even more risky to be a pedestrian these days. Drivers speed up as they approach a yellow light, more concerned about getting through the intersection and ignoring pedestrians in the crosswalk.
Even at speeds as low as 10 mph, a pedestrian can suffer broken bones, spinal cord injury, brain injury and painful bruising. Elderly pedestrians are especially susceptible to injuries and death when struck by vehicles. If you are driving, slow down and look out for walkers and runners. If you are hurt in an accident as a pedestrian, call us at 504-522-7885 if you would like a free case review with a personal injury attorney. Also, visit our website for more information about how we assist our personal injury clients.
Harrell & Nowak, L.L.C. – New Orleans injury lawyers