Pedestrian Accidents
A Growing Number of Americans Dying While Walking
The number of pedestrians deaths in the country is growing substantially. Recently, the rate of pedestrian deaths reached its highest since 1990 and the growth is only anticipated to accelerate. Officials seek to create safety programs to combat the number of pedestrian accidents. Some of these safety initiatives were addressed recently in a study conducted by Smart Growth America and the National Complete Streets Coalition. The study found that all over the United States, governments and planners continue to design streets that are dangerous for everyone.
The Reason Behind the Increase in Pedestrian Fatalities
There is no one cause of pedestrian deaths. Experts often cite several factors for these accidents including distracted drivers, large vehicles, and more people walking. To make matters even more complex, there is no single solution to implement. Despite a $1 billion budget by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the government has been unable to fully combat this hazard.
While the exact cause behind the increase in pedestrian accidents remains uncertain, the National Transportation Safety Board conducted a pedestrian safety investigation study of 15 accidents last year and discovered a widespread belief held by many drivers that they can multitask while still safely operating a vehicle. In reality, humans can only focus attention on one task at a time, which is why performing multiple tasks at the same time is dangerous. Distracted driving costs people their lives.
New Legislative Efforts
To reduce the risk of pedestrian accidents, legislatures have begun to create new regulations. Some efforts have already had mild success, including creating special areas at the head of traffic lanes that let motorists see the bicyclists located ahead of them. The government currently has several programs in effect to make roads safer. A budget that was recently approved by the Senate Appropriations Committee will provide $49 billion in highway aid during the current fiscal year. Additionally, the overall transportation budget includes safety-related funding.
Life Care Planners and Walking Accidents
The aftermath of walking accidents can leave families facing serious obstacles. In these situations, many families have discovered that life care planners can be helpful. These planners can perform several tasks including arranging plans of action for the end of hospital care stays, planning for appointments, helping with paperwork, and meeting transportation needs of the injured victim. I can help your family arrange for a life care planner after a loved one has suffered injuries in a walking accident.
Pursuing Compensation Following Walking Accidents
If you have been injured in a walking accident, you have options to obtain compensation even if you were partially at fault. Umbrella coverage provides additional routes to compensation beyond a person’s basic insurance policy. In these situations, your insurance company can pick up the tab. There are several ways to obtain compensation after a walking accident. To learn more about your various options, contact me today and remember, I’ll Make Them Pay!®
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