With many of our favorite holidays right around the corner, it’s time to kick it in high gear and begin the hustle and bustle that November and December always bring. We will have shopping trips to make, family get-togethers to organize, and office parties to plan, and all of those fun events require numerous trips on our nation’s roadways to pick up what we need. And with that increase in the number of cars on the roads, there comes an increase in pedestrians, too, and, unfortunately, a greater number of pedestrians leads to a higher number of pedestrian accidents, injuries, and deaths.
The Independent Insurance Agents and Brokers Association reports that one in five pedestrian-involved accidents take place in a parking lot; the number increases to two in five during the November/December holiday shopping season due to an increased volume of drivers and pedestrians on city streets.
Startling Statistics
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), pedestrian deaths totaled just under 6,000 in 2017. According to statistics compiled by the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) and published on Forbes Magazine online, “Pedestrians now account for about 16% of all motor vehicle deaths, compared with 11% just a few years ago.” These latest statistics represent the highest proportion of pedestrian deaths in three decades.
The NHTSA also reports the following: “There was a more than 3% increase in the number of pedestrians killed in traffic crashes in 2018, totaling 6,283 deaths — the most deaths since 1990.” And one of the most common causes of pedestrian deaths is the all-too-common distracted driver (and walker, in the case of pedestrian deaths).
What’s Causing Pedestrian Deaths?
We all have seen that person walking through a crosswalk with his head down looking at his phone, and some of us have seen drivers texting while operating a two-ton vehicle (maybe we’re even guilty of that ourselves). With so many distracted Americans taking to the roadways, it’s not surprising that pedestrian deaths are on the rise. During the upcoming holiday season, we all need to do our part to make sure we and those we love make it to their destinations safely and without incident.
Tips to Avoid Pedestrian Accidents
When approaching crosswalks, parking lots, and busy city streets, it’s imperative to be alert and take in your surroundings on all sides of your vehicle. Not all pedestrians follow the rules of the road, and, for that reason, we need to expect the unexpected, especially at this busy time of year.
- Use your turn signal
- Check your rearview camera before backing up
- Use your horn if you see other drivers, bicyclists or pedestrians not paying attention, but don’t honk aggressively.
- Avoid using your phone while driving, especially while driving through crowded parking lots
- Choose one of the first parking spots you see instead of driving around the parking lot again and again looking for a spot closer to the door
Let’s all do what we can as drivers and pedestrians to keep the holiday season of 2019-2020 safe and joyous.
About Lynn Fugaro
