Pedestrians are at risk on the road. They don’t have a vehicle to protect them from the force of a collision. Drivers can easily overlook pedestrians or become aggressive toward them.
Technically, pedestrian collisions can occur anywhere. However, crash statistics make it relatively clear that the risk is higher in some locations when compared with others. Pedestrians who are aware of the factors that increase their risk of a crash can take steps to protect themselves.
They can also feel confident about their decision to hold a driver accountable for hitting them. Certain locations are associated with elevated pedestrian risk. Where are pedestrians particularly vulnerable?
1. On rural roads
There are many factors that contribute to making rural roads hazardous for pedestrians. A general lack of lighting can be a concern. Drivers may not be able to see pedestrians until they are perilously close to them.
The speed of vehicles on rural roads is another factor to consider. Pedestrian crashes are more likely to be fatal at higher speeds. Pedestrians in rural settings are at particularly high risk of severe or fatal injuries.
2. In parking lots
Sometimes, drivers know they are likely to encounter pedestrians. Despite that awareness, they may fail to watch carefully for people on foot.
The National Safety Council reports a concerning increase in distracted driving in parking lots. Even at low speeds, pedestrian crashes in parking lots can cause serious injuries and fatalities. Drivers in parking lots can knock pedestrians down and cause broken bones or worse due to negligent behavior.
3. At busy intersections
While there are marked crosswalks at many of the busiest intersections around Ann Arbor, drivers don’t always yield to pedestrians as they should.
Busy intersections can be particularly dangerous for pedestrians. Drivers trying to capitalize on a break in traffic may fail to check for pedestrians before conducting a turn or proceeding through an intersection.
Pedestrians injured by drivers can sustain brain injuries, broken bones and numerous other major injuries. They may need to pursue an insurance claim or possibly a lawsuit against the driver at fault for the incident.
Even pedestrians who make safety their top priority can end up injured in pedestrian crashes caused by distracted drivers and other types of dangerous motorists. Pursuing compensation from the driver at fault for a pedestrian collision can help people cover medical expenses, lost wages and other economic damages.