CDC report on Motor Vehicle Traffic-Related Pedestrian Deaths

There are facts about life that are difficult to digest. Some of these facts are statistics about death. A good number of people each year, die from suicide, while another large number die from illness. What types of death remain, then? Well, those who die from injuries (unintentional ones, mind you).

A new CDC report found that motor vehicle traffic crashes are the leading cause of unintentional injury-related death in the US. Surprising, huh? Maybe this will make you a bit more cautious the next time you hop on your bike to go for a ride.

Staggering Pedestrian Accident Statistics

The study found that pedestrians comprise 13% of motor vehicle traffic-related deaths. This number comes out to be around 4,000 each year. Think about that for a moment. These people were walking along the sidewalk or crossing the street - going about their business - when suddenly, they were were struck and killed by a motorcycle. This happens to about 11 innocent people a day. If this number isn't already jaw-dropping to you, it certainly ought to be.

The study also showed that 3/4 of these pedestrian deaths (in 2010) occurred in urban settings. This shouldn't be too surprising since urban environments are usually quite a bit more dense and walkable, than their suburban and rural counterparts.

Looking Out For Children And The Elderly

Still, to touch on another startling aspect of the study: it found that pedestrian deaths increased with age. While it's definitely comforting to know that children are the least likely to be killed in this fashion (probably because many parents keep a watchful enough eye on their kids), it's nevertheless vital to teach children how to safely cross the street, and that they should only do it in an area which is pedestrian-friendly. Between, 2001 and 2010, there were at least 3,849 motor vehicle traffic-related deaths in children younger than 15.

On the other hand, pedestrian deaths among the elderly are proven to be the most dire, as they are the group most likely to perish in this way.

Whether it be a delayed recognition of oncoming danger, or a decreased ability to physically avoid it, we need to do all we can to ensure that the elderly are safer while walking.

Helping an old lady cross the street is not just a cliched, exaggerated action of a good person, it's a real thing you can do to help prevent a pedestrian accident. If you have an elderly relative or neighbor who takes frequent walks, it would definitely be in their best interest for you to accompany them whenever possible. When you're walking on the sidewalk with them, be sure to have them walk on the side away from the street. Also, if their balance isn't so stable, it would also be a good idea to walk arm-in-arm with them. If they fall, it actually makes them more prone to oncoming traffic, as they can't easily move out of the way.

An Experienced Personal Injury Attorney Can Help You

Whether it be men or women; children or the elderly, we all need to take the proper safety precautions to avoid a potential pedestrian accident for us and our loved ones. Accidents will happen, but by following a few common sense rules, we can certainly decrease their likelihood.

If you've been injured in a pedestrian accident, don't hesitate to contact an experienced personal injury lawyer to handle your case. They've dealt with countless cases just like yours, and they definitely know how to get you the compensation you deserve.