Pedestrian Crash Deaths on the Rise Nationwide

By Car Accident Help on January 19, 2015

The rate of motor vehicle accidents nationwide has plummeted in recent years – but the rate of pedestrian deaths in car crashes is increasing, according to the most recent pedestrian death report released by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

To many experienced Oklahoma pedestrian accident lawyers, the numbers signal that more must be done in order to protect those who walk on or near the nation’s streets. When a car collides with a pedestrian, severe injuries and death can easily result. In 2012, 4,743 pedestrians lost their lives and another 76,000 were injured in such accidents.

These numbers represent an increase of six percent in pedestrian deaths nationwide, as well as a five-year high in total pedestrian deaths. Pedestrian deaths now make up 14 percent of all car accident-related fatalities, compared to 11 percent in 2007.

Most pedestrians are injured or killed while walking in urban areas, and most accidents occur at places other than intersections. Weather plays only a minor role in pedestrian accidents, with 89 percent of pedestrians in 2012 losing their lives on clear days.

Although any pedestrian may be at risk, pedestrian deaths appear to be more likely when a pedestrian is very old or very young. People over age 65 accounted for 20 percent of all pedestrian deaths in 2012 and 9 percent of all injuries. People under age 15 made up only 6 percent of all deaths but accounted for 18 percent of the total injuries recorded. However, young children – those under age 5 – were more likely to die in a pedestrian accident than if they were the passenger in a motor vehicle crash.

If you have suffered considerable losses in a Oklahoma City pedestrian accident, please contact Attorney Ray Maples for immediate legal assistance.