Signs of Whiplash After a Car Accident & What to Do Next
Posted in: Car Accidents
KNR Legal Blog
A startling statistic recently came to light — pedestrian deaths in Ohio due to motor vehicle crashes more than doubled in the first six months of last year, compared with the first six months of 2014, according to a recent report from the Governor’s Highway Safety Association. While Ohio is no stranger to motor vehicle accidents, especially during inclement winter weather, the analysis is surprising given that Ohio leads all states in its percent increase in pedestrian deaths.
At Kisling, Nestico & Redick, we have represented numerous families who had a loved one injured or killed by a motor vehicle while out walking. Our Ohio personal injury lawyers are all too familiar with the devastation that a motor vehicle vs. pedestrian accident can cause. These statistics are alarming because it means more families in our state are suffering losses that should be preventable.
Ohio’s increase in pedestrian fatalities was higher than that of any other states during the first half of 2015, according to the Governors Highway Safety Association. The average nationwide increase in pedestrian deaths in the first half of 2015 was 6 percent. But Ohio’s increase was 124 percent during the same period—from 25 pedestrians killed in the first half of 2014 to 56 pedestrians killed during the first half of 2015. From 2014 to 2015, Ohio led the nation in its increase of pedestrian fatalities.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol and the Governors Highway Safety have identified the leading causes of pedestrian fatalities. These include weather, human error, economic changes, and poor environmental conditions, such as low visibility. Major causes of pedestrian deaths in 2015 include:
More cars on the road — The Federal Highway Administration estimates that there was a 3.5 percent increase in motor vehicle travel in the first half of 2015, compared with the same period in 2014
Distracted pedestrians — he Governors Highway Safety Association proposes that the growing use of cell phones has contributed to the number of distracted pedestrians, those who may be unaware of an oncoming vehicle due to their cell phone usage
Distracted drivers — Just as pedestrians distracted by cell phones can lead to pedestrian fatalities, drivers distracted by cell phones can lead to pedestrian fatalities, as well
Weather conditions — Harsh storms and slick roadways can lead to an increase in pedestrian deaths as drivers and pedestrians traverse challenging roads and intersections
Lower fuel prices — The recent downturn in oil prices may also have contributed to more people driving and, as a result, an increase in pedestrian deaths
The Governors Highway Safety Association recommends three ways to reduce pedestrian fatalities and injuries. These recommendations apply not just to Ohioans but also to traffic enforcers, engineers, and vehicle designers everywhere.
Separate pedestrians from cars —A surprising number of pedestrians are killed each year while walking on roads, meridians, or narrow slivers of sidewalk adjacent to a roadway. Introducing refuge islands, overpasses, and traffic signals can lead to safer walking conditions.
Increase pedestrian visibility — Improved street lighting can make a big difference in pedestrian visibility. Rapid-flashing beacons and high-visibility cross-walks can also enhance walking conditions
Decrease vehicle speed — Introducing roundabouts, speed humps, curb extensions, and other traffic calming devices can help to decrease both vehicle speed and thereby ensure the safety of pedestrians.
Pedestrians are killed by motor vehicles in Ohio every year. The recent increase of pedestrian deaths in Ohio demonstrates that further steps are needed to make our streets safer for everyone. As recommendations to improve road conditions are adopted, Kisling, Nestico & Redick is here to help as you and your family recover from and seek compensation for a pedestrian accident.
If you’ve been injured as a pedestrian, or have lost a loved one who was killed as a pedestrian, because of a distracted, reckless, or DUI driver, contact one of our experienced Ohio personal injury lawyers at Kisling, Nestico & Redick today at 1-800-HURT-NOW. We have offices throughout Ohio and have helped more than 10,000 people to receive the compensation they deserve.