- July 24, 2024
- Personal Injury
By now you may be aware of the staggering vehicle accident statistics that accompany the state of Texas. With so many traffic fatalities and catastrophic accidents occurring on a regular basis, it brings to question the quality and integrity of Texas roadways, infractructure, and more. Though traffic accidents can take various forms, In today’s blog, your Dallas, TX catastrophic injury attorneys are going to focus on pedestrian accidents, why there has been an increase in pedestrian-vehicle collisions, and what our firm and community can do to help prioritize individual safety with respect to the roads.
An Increase in Pedestrian-Vehicle Collisions
A pedestrian can be defined simply as an individual traveling on foot. This can include people crossing at crosswalks, using the sidewalk for their morning jog, or even individuals in wheelchairs, whether the device is manual or motorized. Pedestrian accidents occur when a pedestrian is struck by a car, motorcycle, or another vehicle.
With respect to road users in general, pedestrians are the most vulnerable people. Whether they are simply crossing the street or walking on the sidewalk alongside the road, pedestrians are particularly prone to catastrophic injuries, as they do not have the safety equipment necessary to keep them safe. This is also reflected in data collected to measure individual safety. In fact, data reveal that from 2018 to 2022, pedestrian traffic fatalities in the state of Texas increased by 30%. Currently, pedestrian-vehicle collisions account for roughly one in five of all traffic fatalities in the state. For more information about pedestrian statistics in Texas and how our team can assist, give our office a call today.
Top Contributing Factors
There are several reasons or causes for pedestrian-vehicle accidents. Factors contributing to this may include speeding drivers, pedestrians failing to yield the right-of-way to vehicles, driver inattention, and drivers failing to yield the right-of-way to pedestrians. For example, if a driver is distracted by texting and driving, or they are operating a vehicle while drowsy or under the influence of alcohol, it is more likely an accident will occur. Additionally, ignoring traffic signs and making unsafe or illegal turns can lead to pedestrian accidents as well.
The Pedestrian Safety Campaign
In an effort to make the roadways safer, the Texas Department of Transportation created the Pedestrian Safety Campaign that details important information for both pedestrians and drivers. Keep in mind, however, that the campaign is only as effective as it is adhered to, and there is a major need among Texans to work toward safer road conditions. Rules such as crossing only at crosswalks for pedestrians and stopping and yielding for pedestrians at crosswalks are imperative for safer transportation in Texas.
Schedule A Consultation
Texas is consistently among the top states with the highest rate of driving fatalities and accidents, and it is imperative we do our part by following the Texas Pedestrian Safety Campaign and keep our roads safe. Contact Crain Brogdon LLP in Dallas, TX by calling (214) 522-9404 to schedule a free initial consultation with our team and learn what your legal options are.
Attorney Quentin Brogdon
Quentin Brogdon has over thirty years of experience and expertise in the field of personal injury trial law. He is board certified in both personal injury trial law and civil trial advocacy. Quentin has received an AV rating from Martindale-Hubbell, the highest possible rating. This rating reflects an attorney’s ethics and abilities according to reviews from fellow attorneys. [ Attorney Bio ]
