Pedestrian Fatalities Increasing In Texas
There were fewer people on the roads in the last year due to COVID. People were quarantined at home to reduce the spread of the virus. Employees were laid off or working from home. Children were learning from home. This meant people weren’t driving as much.
This didn’t cause a decrease in accidents, though. In fact, pedestrian deaths were on the rise in 2020. Between January and June 2020, 3,000 people were killed in pedestrian accidents. This was despite the fact that traffic was down 16% during this time. Many areas in Texas also saw increases in pedestrian fatalities.
With the number of vehicles on the road decreasing, why are pedestrian accidents increasing? There is no clear cut reason. Speed could be a factor. Distracted driving may also be involved. But drivers are not being alert and Texas is looking to do something about it.
A recent public service announcement from the Texas Department of Public Safety, called “Tired Face,” shows graphics of faces covered in tire marks. The text includes statements such as “you can’t fix a pedestrian at a body shop” and “pedestrians don’t come with airbags.” The announcement hopes to remind drivers and pedestrians to watch out for each other and follow traffic laws.
Since October, the Wichita Falls Police Department has investigated 10 pedestrian crashes. Six of the accidents happened later in the evening—between dusk and dawn. There is no pattern to these crashes. No particular road is more prone to pedestrian accidents than others. However, police officers recommend avoiding Southwest Parkway. The area has a 45 mile per hour speed limit, but not many drivers obey it. Plus, there is traffic in that area all day long, making it particularly dangerous for pedestrians.
Tips for Pedestrian Safety
What else do police recommend for pedestrians to stay safe? They say the best way to stay safe is to be aware of your surroundings. You should wear bright clothing so you can be easily seen. Also, don’t put your back to traffic. Instead, walk against traffic so you can easily see what is going on and move out of the way if needed.
Never walk out in front of traffic. Although pedestrians typically have the right of way, you shouldn’t assume drivers can see you. Be especially cautious in congested areas where drivers may not see you.
Also, make sure you can hear traffic. This means not wearing headphones while walking or doing other things that can distract you, such as using cell phones.
Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer
Pedestrians have nothing to protect them in the event of an accident. This means they can become seriously injured. They can suffer catastrophic injuries and even death.
If you or a loved one has been injured or killed in a Texas pedestrian accident, contact the Houston pedestrian accident lawyers at The West Law Office, PLLC today. Our team can assess your case and focus on financial recovery so you can focus on physical recovery. Get started today with a free consultation. Fill out the online form or call our office 281-347-3247.
Resource:
timesrecordnews.com/story/news/local/2021/05/06/pedestrian-fatalities-increase-over-past-year/4975095001/
