Pedestrian accidents can happen for a wide variety of reasons in Ohio, and many of those reasons include driver negligence. When pedestrians cross busy streets in Toledo or even take a walk on a neighborhood road or sidewalk, they can be at risk of serious injury in a collision with a motor vehicle. According to the Ohio State Highway Patrol, there were 176 pedestrian fatalities in 2021, which represents a significant increase from previous years. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that nearly 6,000 pedestrians are killed in traffic accidents annually across the country, and about 137,000 pedestrians suffer nonfatal injuries in these collisions. What are the most common causes of these serious and deadly pedestrian accidents? Our Toledo pedestrian accident lawyers can provide you with more information about the frequent causes of pedestrian collisions in Ohio.
Alcohol Impairment
Alcohol impairment is one of the leading causes of pedestrian accidents in Ohio and throughout the country. According to the CDC, nearly 50 percent of all traffic collisions that ultimately result in a pedestrian fatality involve alcohol impairment. Approximately one-third of all deadly pedestrian accidents involve a pedestrian who has a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08 or higher, and almost 20 percent involve a motorist with a BAC over the legal limit. Many fatal pedestrian accidents involve both a motorist and pedestrians who have been drinking alcohol.
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Distracted Driving and Walking
Distracted driving and walking is another leading cause of pedestrian accidents. Among motorists, distractions such as texting while driving, or even eating or grooming while driving, can result in a motorist failing to stop for a pedestrian crossing the street, or in a motorist drifting onto the edge of a neighborhood road where a pedestrian is walking. Distracted walking is also a problem. When pedestrians are looking down at phones to text or read emails, or are walking while listening to music, they might be partially at fault for a collision with a vehicle.
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Low Visibility
Low visibility can contribute to many pedestrian accidents, particularly in collisions that occur at dusk. Motorists have a duty to take precautions when it is more difficult to see the road, but more collisions do occur when it is difficult for drivers to see properly. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the highest percentage of pedestrian deaths occurs between 6:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m., followed closely by the hours between 9:00 p.m. and 12:00 a.m. In fact, about 50 percent of all pedestrian fatalities occur between those evening and nighttime hours starting at 6:00 p.m.
Aggressive Driving and Speeding
Aggressive driving, and speeding, in particular, are common causes of pedestrian collisions. Indeed, according to the IIHS, reducing vehicle speeds significantly reduces the rate of pedestrian accidents.
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Contact an Ohio Pedestrian Accident Attorney
Do you need assistance determining fault in a pedestrian accident or moving forward with a claim in Ohio? One of our experienced Toledo pedestrian accident attorneys can talk with you today about your case and can provide you with more information concerning your options. You may be able to file a pedestrian accident lawsuit to seek compensation, and our firm can help. Contact Groth & Associates for more information.
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