Pedestrian Crosswalk Dangers

The Centers for Disease Control Prevention (CDC) reported that since 2013, nearly 5,000 pedestrians were killed due to car accidents in the United States alone, and more than 150,000 were treated in the ER due to crash-related injuries. Older adult and children pedestrians are at most at risk of injury and fatality and accounted for the largest portion of these reported statistics.

Crosswalk Markings Make a Difference

Although pedestrian accidents happen on all kinds of roadways, intersection crosswalks are particularly dangerous, posing the biggest threats to those commuting by foot. One study that found that a significant number of drivers tend to ignore crosswalk protection laws. When other safety features are present, however, such as stone or brick crosswalks or in-road “stop for pedestrians” signs, the same study found that 61 percent of drivers did stop for pedestrians. This observational survey was conducted at 52 separate locations, scattered through the Chicago area and its surrounding suburbs.

While drivers seem to pay attention to crosswalk areas with special featured signs, a large percentage of them still tend to ignore unmarked crosswalks completely, even when pedestrians step out into the street to pass. The above-mentioned study revealed that only an average of 18 percent of drivers stopped when pedestrians tried to cross the street on a painted crosswalk. Various experts and officials seem to believe this is due to drivers simply being unaware of the law, making it an ongoing concern for law enforcement.

Combating the Problem

One way the Chicago Police Department works to increase pedestrian safety under these circumstances is by conducting scheduled “sting” operations. Under these operations, officers dressed in everyday, normal clothing station themselves at various crosswalks and attempt to cross them, allowing them to catch drivers who fail to obey the crosswalk law. Police have reported that they have issued more than 1,200 tickets in a year’s time and that a staggering 3,000 accidents in the city are due to drivers hitting pedestrians at crosswalks - a serious problem for pedestrians and motorists alike. Sting operations are conducted on an annual basis and continue to be a useful tool for reducing the number of pedestrian injuries and deaths each year.

If you have been injured as a pedestrian due to crosswalk law negligence, speak with a knowledgeable Lake County pedestrian accident attorney today to ensure your rights are protected and that you receive proper compensation for your suffering. Call Salvi & Maher, LLP at 847-662-3303 for a personal consultation.

Sources:

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/hilkevitch/ct-crosswalk-survey-getting-around-met-0908-20140907-column.html https://www.cdc.gov/motorvehiclesafety/pedestrian_safety/index.html