Pedestrian Accidents: What Are the Main Causes?


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In 2020 alone, 116 pedestrians died due to road accidents in Canada. Year after year, this number keeps rising. This rising figure is attributed to the increase in aggressive and negligent drivers who disregard the rules and safety of others on the road. 

Their reckless driving not only endangers them, but it also endangers everyone on the road, especially pedestrians. If you or a loved one was involved in an accident, you should consider availing the services of a pedestrian accident lawyer in Calgary

This blog focuses more on some of the prime reasons of pedestrian accidents in Canada. What 

8 Leading causes of pedestrian accidents

Traffic accidents where pedestrians are involved are primarily caused by the following:

Speeding

Driving over the speed limit is one of the main factors for pedestrian accidents as it reduces reaction time and increases the danger of a collision.

Driving While Distracted

Distracted driving has become a serious threat in recent times due to cellphones and other devices that can cause the driver to look away from the road.

Driving Under the Influence

Driving under the influence of substances is another primary cause of pedestrian accidents as they can severely impact the coordination and reflexes of the driver. This poses a severe risk on the road.

Weather

Adverse weather conditions such as torrential rain, heavy snow, and dense fog can severely affect visibility and make simple tasks such as crossing the street become a dangerous activity. Snow and rain can also make the road slippery, causing cars to be difficult to control.

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Reckless Driving

Both pedestrians and drivers can be reckless. A driver can disregard traffic and safety rules and drive erratically. Pedestrians can also recklessly dart into a road suddenly or walk on a road with no sidewalk or cross a highway.

Right of way

A car or pedestrian must yield the right of way. If they fail to do so, a collision may occur. Drivers need to obey traffic signals and yield accordingly.

Dark clothing at night

It is already difficult to see pedestrians at night, and it is even harder when they are wearing dark clothing. This increases the likelihood of being hit by a car. Defective headlights and bad street lighting can also contribute to this.

Road Work

Drivers need to be extremely cautious when approaching work sites as construction workers will be close to where cars pass, and pedestrians may also be required to walk on the street.

Where do pedestrian accidents happen the most?

Most pedestrian accidents occur in urban areas and, more specifically, at intersections. This is because drivers are more concerned with traffic than pedestrians who may be in the way.

Dark areas and parking lots are dangerous as many pedestrians and cars are densely packed together. Another place to be wary of is roadsides, as there usually is little to no sidewalk and small shoulders. These areas usually have cars traveling at high speeds.

Types of compensation victims could receive due to an accident

The physical, mental, and emotional damages caused by an accident can have severe consequences. Thus the victim of an accident can make a compensation claim.

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The types of damages they can seek compensation for include:

Pain and suffering

Pain and suffering refer to the intangible damage caused by accidents to their victims. It refers to physical and emotional pain. But it is also a catch-all term for all non-economic damages suffered, such as emotional and psychological trauma, permanent disability and disfigurement, and a diminished quality of life.

Medical Costs

Medical costs apply to any costs required to treat your injuries, including hospital stays, surgeries, and medication. It also includes any future treatment required in the case of long-term injury.

Income Loss

The damage can be very asymmetrical during pedestrian accidents, as pedestrians have no protection from vehicles. Any sort of accident a pedestrian faces can be catastrophic. Their injuries can take weeks, months, and years to recover from. 

Sometimes it can even be permanent. Therefore, the victims miss out on work and future income and are entitled to be compensated by the guilty party.

Property Damage

You can ask for compensation for repair or replacement if your property is damaged during an accident.

There is also a No-Fault compensation that can be awarded without proving that the other party was at fault.

What should a driver do to avoid accidents?

Since pedestrians are the most vulnerable group in the case of traffic accidents, most of the responsibility for safety falls upon drivers of vehicles to avoid severe injury or death. The best way to do so is to closely follow the traffic safety rules.

In most states in Canada, after an accident, a driver is considered to be negligent unless proven otherwise. They are required to prove that they acted properly and reasonably, or else they will be found to be negligent.

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Conclusion

Although accidents are an unfortunate by-product of our current way of life, they can be avoided if the correct rules and regulations are followed.

Pedestrians are the most at-risk group for traffic accidents as even the tiniest mistake from the driver of a vehicle can mean serious injury or death to a pedestrian. Therefore, it is incredibly important for both drivers and pedestrians to follow traffic laws and employ common sense when out on the road.


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