Updated on: 11/12/2019
For the past five years, the frequency of fatal pedestrian accidents have been on a constant decline – a good sign of progress made in pedestrian safety. However, for the year 2010 – the most recent year in which such data is available – the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) says there were a total of almost 4,300 pedestrian deaths, a 4 percent increase from 2009.
According to the NHTSA, approximately 75 percent of all these pedestrian deaths were in urban areas, meaning the pressure sits with government bodies to explore options for increasing pedestrian and jogger safety in a country that is growing with urban areas.
There are a number of potential safety factors that could go into improving safety and reducing pedestrian fatalities. But in order to reach those lofty goals, Scott Bricker of the America Walks advocacy group says we need to adopt Europe’s approach and being to “take the safety of people seriously.”
For example, current U.S. law requires vehicle bumpers to be quite strong in order to reduce the repair costs associated with low-impact crashes. If the law were to allow for bumpers to be weaker and reduce the impact of the collision on the pedestrian, many lives could be saved. Advancements in automatic braking features are expected to be even more impactful in saving pedestrians’ lives.
“When it comes to pedestrians, it will be critical for manufacturers to continue focusing on technological advances that raise the bar on safety,” said HNTSA chief David Strickland.
Personally, I think that because of where innovation and technology are headed, safety features like automatic braking and nighttime sensors are the future of vehicle and pedestrian safety. Self-driving cars are currently on the cusp of making this a reality. What are your thoughts? Share them with us in the comment box below.
Seattle Pedestrian Accident Attorneys
If you have been injured in a pedestrian accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and lost wages. Davis Law Group helps pedestrian accident victims get peace of mind and the financial compensation they deserve.
If you have been injured in an accident due to the negligence or fault of another party, contact the award-winning personal injury lawyers at Davis Law Group today at 206-727-4000 or use the confidential contact form on this page to request a free legal consultation.