What Are the Most Common Pedestrian Accident Causes?
According to the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT), about one in every three pedestrians involved in a crash either dies or suffers serious injuries. Virginia sees an average of 132 pedestrian fatalities per year.
Understanding how pedestrian accidents occur and what increases your risk of a pedestrian crash can help you protect yourself when walking in Virginia. Here are some common reasons for pedestrian accidents:
Distracted Driving
With increased cell phone and social media use, driver inattention is one of the leading causes of traffic crashes in Virginia. Distracted driving happens when a driver takes their eyes off the road or their hands off the wheel. Examples of common driving distractions include:
- Texting or scrolling through a smartphone
- Talking on the phone or to passengers in the vehicle
- Adjusting vehicle controls, such as navigation or volume settings
- Personal grooming, including makeup application or brushing hair
- Eating or drinking while behind the wheel
- Reaching for something inside the vehicle
- Daydreaming or allowing the mind to wander while driving
If drivers take their focus off operating the vehicle, even for a few seconds, they could miss pedestrians crossing the road, entering crosswalks, or stepping in front of an alleyway, driveway, or parking lot exit.
Speeding and Aggressive Driving
Driving above the speed limit and other aggressive driving behaviors can increase the risk of pedestrian crashes. Speeding, swerving in and out of lanes, and tailgating make it difficult for drivers to assess road hazards, slow down for pedestrians, or make necessary maneuvers to avoid pedestrians.
Failure to Yield to Pedestrians
Under Virginia law, drivers are required to yield to pedestrians crossing the road, at crosswalks or intersections of roadways w/ speed limits of 35mph or less. Also, drivers cannot pass cars that are already stopped for pedestrians. These rules are in place to protect pedestrians and prevent accidents that may result in serious injuries or fatalities.
Impaired Driving
- Slower reaction time
- Impaired judgment
- Blurry or double vision
- Reduced ability to distinguish colors
Poor Visibility and Weather Conditions
Poor lighting, heavy fog, coastal winds, and flooding in Hampton Roads can reduce visibility and create hazardous road conditions, increasing the risk of pedestrian crashes. If drivers fail to take these conditions into consideration while behind the wheel, they may be responsible for accidents they cause.
Intersection and Turning Errors
Drivers who fail to yield the right of way at intersections or when making turns can cause confusion for pedestrians. While people walking may think they’re in the clear to cross, drivers can make serious errors that lead to pedestrian crashes and injuries.
Why Are Pedestrian Accidents So Common?
Pedestrians are considered vulnerable road users because they rarely have protective gear and are particularly exposed to dangers on the road. Unlike vehicle occupants, pedestrians lack seatbelts, safety features, or a solid metal frame to reduce the likelihood of serious injuries. Even at slower speeds, an accident can have life-changing consequences for pedestrians.
In recent years, pedestrian accidents have often been connected to driver inattention, fast-moving cars, and congested urban areas. Increased traffic volume makes it more difficult for drivers and pedestrians to share the road. However, Virginia is making strides in protecting pedestrians and making walking safer and more accessible.
Understanding how pedestrian crashes occur is the first step in protecting yourself. You can exercise greater caution in high-risk areas or situations to help you avoid a serious accident.
Why Does Fault Matter in Virginia Pedestrian Accidents?
While most other states have moved to a modified comparative negligence system, which allows victims to recover some compensation if they are partially at fault, Virginia’s contributory negligence rule completely bars recovery if the victim shares any fault for what happened. In other words, even if you are only 1% at fault for the pedestrian accident, you cannot receive compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and other losses.
Insurance companies may use unfair tactics to shift the blame to you and avoid paying the compensation you deserve. Our attorneys have extensive experience taking on powerful insurance companies and protecting our clients from mistreatment. We use our knowledge and resources to gather evidence, determine fault, and fight for the compensation you are owed.
How Can Pedestrian Accidents Be Prevented?
Preventing pedestrian accidents requires a shared commitment to better visibility, greater risk awareness, and improved infrastructure.
For Pedestrians
If you regularly walk in your community, here are tips to protect yourself:
- Always use designated crosswalks and move predictably.
- If sidewalks are unavailable, walk facing traffic.
- Maintain high visibility by wearing reflective gear at night and making eye contact with drivers before crossing.
- Stay alert by avoiding phone use and excessively loud headphones.
For Drivers
Drivers play a crucial role in preventing pedestrian crashes. By practicing safe driving habits and staying alert, many accidents may be avoided. Here’s how drivers can help:
- Put your cell phone away while driving to avoid texting or using social media.
- Reduce speed, especially in school zones and residential areas.
- Do not drink or use drugs before getting behind the wheel of a vehicle.
- Always yield to walkers and never pass a vehicle stopped at a crosswalk. They may be blocking a pedestrian from your view.
For Municipalities
City and urban planners can implement different traffic elements that improve pedestrian safety, such as:
- Speed humps
- Improved street lighting
Traffic signals with leading pedestrian intervals that give walkers a head start
Get Help With Your Pedestrian Accident Case Today
If you were injured by a driver while walking in Hampton Roads, our Virginia pedestrian accident lawyers offer award-winning legal services to help you through this difficult time. Known as The Car Crash Experts, we have the resources and experience needed to take on large insurance companies and pursue the maximum compensation available for your losses and suffering.
Call (757) 333-3333 or contact us online today for a free, no-obligation consultation. We’ll explain your rights, what to expect after a pedestrian accident, and how we can assist with your case.
