Pedestrians at Risk for Injuries in New Jersey Accidents
According to a recent article on Philly.com, there were 157 pedestrian deaths in 2009 in New Jersey. A total of 60 percent of the deaths occurred on heavy-trafficked roads that are part freeway and part Main Street. Both the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Pennsauken, NJ police department are encouraging people to use the designated crosswalks and overpasses.
Pedestrians are the second-largest group of car accident fatalities. There are many factors that can lead to these types of accidents, including time of day, what type of intersection, and driver recklessness. The age of pedestrians is also a factor. In fact, elderly pedestrians in particular may be especially at risk.
Alcohol can also be a factor in pedestrian accidents, in both the driver and the pedestrian. The NHTSA reported alcohol use in about half of car accidents nationwide. There were 1,184 deaths in 2008 in which the pedestrian killed had a blood alcohol content (BAC) higher than .08 percent. In 274 cases, the driver’s BAC was over .08 percent.
Drivers should be observant of pedestrians at intersections and crosswalks and remember that some may not be able to see or hear your vehicle if they are listening to music on an mp3 player or wearing a hat. Pedestrians should wear brightly colored clothing and carry a flashlight if walking in the dark so motorists are aware of their presence.
If you are dealing with the aftermath of a tragic pedestrian accident in Pennsylvania, the Philadelphia pedestrian accident attorneys at Cherry Fieger & Marciano, LLP can assess your case and help you obtain the compensation you deserve.
