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Pedestrian Deaths: It’s Getting Riskier to Walk and Bike

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Peter J. Gregory
Nov 27, 2019
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According to a recent report by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration regarding roadway fatalities, fewer people are dying in vehicle crashes. That is encouraging, especially since traffic deaths—after decades of falling—climbed between 2014 and 2016.

However, the report also found an increase in the amount of pedestrian deaths involving car accidents, which continues a concerning decade-long upward trend.  6,677 pedestrians died in 2018, marking a 3.4% increase over 2017.  Cyclist deaths are also on the rise, climbing by 6.3% in 2018 to 893.

There may be several causes for these changes.  According to the NHTSA data, distracted driving was a factor in just 7.8% of fatal accidents last year. The problem with this figure is that it is pulled from police reports, and police sometimes are unable to determine whether a driver (or a pedestrian) was looking at their phone during a car accident.

Other factors possibly contributing to the increase in pedestrian deaths may include more SUVs and crossovers on the road, which make for deadlier impacts, or poor road design with inadequate crosswalks, sidewalks, lighting, and other elements that make it safe to stay on foot.

It is important for all drivers, walkers and bicyclists to avoid distractions and stay aware of their surroundings.  For pedestrians injured in a car accident or for those who lost a loved one, it is crucial to consult with a personal injury attorney early to investigate potential instances of distracted driving or other potential causes of the crash.  For assistance with these matters, please contact a member of our personal injury practice

This publication is intended as an information source for clients, prospective clients, and colleagues and constitutes attorney advertising. The content should not be considered legal advice and readers should not act upon information in this publication without individualized professional counsel.


About MCCM

McConville Considine Cooman & Morin, P.C. is a full-service law firm based in Rochester, New York, providing high-quality legal services to businesses and individuals since 1979.  With over a dozen attorneys and a full paralegal support staff, the firm is well-positioned to right-size services tailored to each client. We are large enough to provide expertise in a broad range of practice areas, yet small enough to devote prompt, personal attention to our clients.

We represent a diverse range of clients located throughout New York State and New England.  They include individuals, numerous manufacturing and service industry businesses, local governments, and health care professionals, provider groups, facilities and associations. We also serve as local counsel to out-of-state clients and their attorneys who have litigation pending in Western New York courts.  For more information, please contact us at 585.546.2500.