Pedestrian Killed In Crash On Katy Freeway
Pedestrians and freeways don’t mix. The high speeds of drivers on these multi-lane roads can lead to fatality to those who make the decision to walk or run across these busy roads.
Sadly, this was true on the evening of November 4, when a person was killed in a pedestrian accident in Houston. The fatal crash happened on the Katy Freeway, near Taylor Street.
Police located the pedestrian in the road and determined that it had been hit by multiple vehicles. The drivers of two vehicles did remain at the accident scene. They said they could not avoid hitting the victim. Neither showed signs of intoxication and are not facing criminal charges.
Part of the Katy Freeway was closed for several hours as police investigated. The road opened up the following morning.
Pedestrian Accidents on the Rise
Most pedestrian accidents happen in states such as Texas, Florida, and California. Fatal crashes of this type are on the rise, and while the exact reason is not known, there are some theories. They include the following:
- Reckless driving. Drivers should be exhibiting safe behavior while behind the wheel. Going in and out of lanes and excessive speed can lead to fatalities.
- Distracted driving. Motorists need to avoid distractions. When drivers are not focused on the road, they are more likely to hit hazards such as pedestrians.
- Alcohol use. Drinking and driving is never a good idea—plus, it’s illegal. Alcohol impairs judgment and slows down reaction time, making accidents more likely to occur.
- Unsafe crossing. Many pedestrians attempt to cross busy streets without thinking about the dangers. Pedestrians should never try to cross freeways. They should try to get to a surface street and cross at a marked intersection. Crossing a street is especially dangerous at night, when visibility is reduced.
- Larger vehicles. More and more people are driving larger vehicles such as trucks and SUVs. These vehicles can cause more damage in a crash, resulting in serious injuries and death.
Protecting Pedestrians
Roads are simply not built for pedestrians. They’re made for vehicles, so when people try to use the road around cars and trucks, there are bound to be issues. That’s why Texas and other states need to take steps to update their infrastructure. This includes the following:
- Adding walking areas such as sidewalks
- Using pedestrian signals and crosswalks
- Using high-visibility crosswalks
- Reducing speed limits in areas with high pedestrian traffic
- Offering safety classes for pedestrians
- Holding community events to increase awareness of pedestrian safety
Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer
Pedestrians have little protection in a crash. Because of this, these types of accidents are often major, resulting in serious injuries and death.
Motorists and pedestrians must follow the laws at all times. When negligence leads to injuries, the Houston pedestrian accident attorneys at The West Law Office, PLLC can help you get compensation. We have the skill to fight your case inside or outside of the courtroom. Schedule a free consultation by calling 281-347-3247 or filling out the online form.
Resource:
khou.com/article/news/local/fatal-pedestrian-crash-i-10-katy-freeway-heights/285-343dfdf4-9487-413d-9c36-dc18e4681e2c
