According to new information published by the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA), pedestrian accidents are on the rise after many years of decreasing numbers. In 2018, vehicle crashes killed 6,227 pedestrians. The GHSA expects that number to continue to rise with a projected 6,590 expected deaths in 2019—the largest number in the United States since 1988. 
When comparing the first six months of 2018 to the first six months of 2019, Virginia pedestrian deaths are up from 52 to 57—about a 10 percent increase.
Trends Behind Pedestrian Accidents
The trends behind where and how pedestrians are getting hit by vehicles are hardly surprising. According to the GHSA:
- Most pedestrians are hit on local roads at night, with most accidents happening away from intersections.
- Risky driving behaviors, such as driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol, speeding, or driving while texting or talking on the phone, are common causes of accidents, including those involving pedestrians.
- When pedestrians are hit by large vehicles, including trucks and SUVs, they are twice as likely to die as a result of their injuries.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), male pedestrians, teenagers, and young adults are more likely to be hit. As people age, they are more likely to die from the injuries they sustained in a pedestrian accident. Children, too, are at a higher risk of dying from their injuries.
Call a Pedestrian Accident Attorney in Fairfax, VA
If you were injured in a pedestrian accident or you lost a loved one, it is in your best interests to meet with a Virginia pedestrian accident attorney. Taking quick legal action is the best way to build a strong case, so you can get the compensation you deserve. Call the attorneys at Kearney, Freeman, Fogarty & Joshi, PLLC, or take a moment to fill out the contact form on this page. A member of our team will be in touch to go over the details of your case.
|
Related links: |
