NHTSA Warns That the Streets are Getting More Dangerous for Pedestrians

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration announced Monday that American roads and streets are getting more dangerous for pedestrians.

According to statistics, pedestrian fatalities increased four percent in 2011, over  2010. The agency is still analyzing the data for 2011 and expects to release more comprehensive statistics by the end of the year. But data from previous years indicate that pedestrian fatalities are on the rise.

In 2009, there were 4,109 pedestrian fatalities which increased to 4,280 in 2010. A majority of the deaths in 2010, roughly 73 percent, occurred in urban areas. Sixty eight percent of those accidents occurred at night. Almost 80 percent of pedestrians where killed away from intersections. Alcohol consumption played a role in 47 percent of accidents. Surprisingly, most pedestrian accidents happened on sunny days with clear skies.

The NHTSA hasn’t yet determined what the rise in fatalities can be attributed to. On their website they give walking safety tips for pedestrians.

In 2010, almost 40,000 pedestrians were injured in a traffic collisions. Common serious injuries for pedestrians include broken bones and head injuries, even with a helmet.  Both of these types of injuries can require extensive medical care, a long recovery time. Some injury victims never recover from a traumatic brain injury and become permanently disabled.

If a negligent or inattentive driver is to blame for debilitating injuries, then the victim has the right to get an accident attorney and seek fair compensation to cover their medical costs and living expenses.