Has Distracted Driving Caused an Increase in Pedestrian and Bicycle Accidents?

Posted On February 22, 2017 In Local Car Accidents

Pedestrian and bicycle accidents involving vehicles are a regular occurrence here in Texas and throughout the nation. Statistics collected by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration show 4,884 pedestrians died in incidents involving vehicles during 2014. Another 65,000 suffered injuries.

Even when pedestrians and cyclists take precautionary measures, such as utilizing reflective tape, limiting headphone usage, obeying traffic signals, paying attention to vehicles or avoiding distractions, they can still be hit. This is not their fault. Motorists are often distracted by text messaging, changing the radio, or perhaps they are driving recklessly or negligently in other ways. In addition, motorists may not practice extra caution in areas with heavy foot or cycling traffic.

There are steps motorists can take to reduce their chances of hitting cyclists and pedestrians.

7 Ways Motorists Can Avoid Pedestrian and Bicycle Accidents

1. Be cautious in areas with pedestrians: Excessive speed is a major cause of pedestrian and bicycle accidents involving vehicles. Never speed in residential areas or crowded intersections where there is a greater density of cyclists and pedestrians.
2. Make eye contact: Make eye contact with pedestrians who are waiting to cross the street. This way, you know their intention.
3. Keep an eye out for pedestrians and cyclists: Many pedestrian accidents involve vehicles making turns. Such accidents happen because motorists were inattentive or not looking out for nearby pedestrians and cyclists. Be especially attentive for cyclists and pedestrians at dark. Finally, always remain cautious of jaywalkers.
4. Be mindful of where you are driving: Residential areas and schools are more likely to have heavy foot traffic or cyclists. Very young children may not understand the dangers of playing in the road. They also may be unable to judge the location of approaching vehicles.
5. Avoid aggressive driving: Impatience and road rage lead to unsafe driving. Aggressive driving will complicate your ability to see pedestrians and cyclists.
6. Remain attentive: Distracted driving crashes involving pedestrians and cyclists are preventable. Never text and drive. In addition, avoid fidgeting with the radio, shaving, applying makeup or eating while behind the wheel. If you are not paying attention to the road, you are much more likely to hit pedestrians and cyclists.
7. Always yield to pedestrians: Always give pedestrians the right-of-way at crosswalks and elsewhere, even jaywalkers.

Should Injured Cyclists and Pedestrians Contact an Attorney?

Our law firm has experience helping cyclists and pedestrians hit by inattentive and negligent drivers. Pedestrians and cyclists injured by these motorists may suffer catastrophic injuries that require lengthy hospital stays and extensive rehabilitation. Medical bills and lost income can accumulate into the hundreds of thousands or millions of dollars.

An attorney can file a personal injury lawsuit against the responsible motorist or other parties on your behalf. Damages recovered from a personal injury lawsuit can help pay for medical bills, lost income and other expenses. Our attorneys can use mobile phone records, internet browsing history, witness statements, camera footage and accident reconstruction specialists to help your case succeed.

The Texas personal injury attorneys at Mike Love & Associates, LLC can help people harmed by negligent motorists.