Massachusetts pedestrians face danger every day. Because motor vehicles of all sizes often travel near where pedestrians are walking, the possibility of a negligent motorist colliding with a pedestrian is always there.
According to recent statistics, fatal pedestrian accidents have risen nationally roughly 10 percent from the previous year. This is based on the recently collected data from 2015. Based on this report, the Governors Highway Safety Association provided a fatality trend for future fatal pedestrian crashes.
The GHSA projects that pedestrian fatalities will continue to increase year to year. This projection is based on 2015 being the largest increase since records have been kept on this type of fatality. Since 1975, the annual trend of pedestrian fatalities has varied from a 10.5 percent decrease to an 8.1 percent increase.
In the first six months of 2015, 21 states reported a decrease in pedestrian fatalities while 26 states and the District of Columbia reported an increase. This report did not only highlight the increase in pedestrian fatalities but also how pedestrians now account for a larger share of motor vehicle crash-related deaths. They now account for roughly 15 percent; they accounted for 11 percent a decade ago.
This increase in pedestrian fatalities in motor vehicle crashes highlights the vulnerabilities of pedestrians in general. A pedestrian is unable to withstand the size and weight of a vehicle, even when it is moving slowly. Therefore, it is essential for drivers to constantly be alert for pedestrians when traveling in areas they are likely to be present.
If you have lost a loved one due to a negligent driver, it is important to understand the legal options that may be available. A wrongful death claim could provide compensation for damages or losses caused by the fatal accident.
Source: Insurancejournal.com, “Why Pedestrian Traffic Fatalities Are on Rise,” March 9, 2016
