This week, the Governor’s Highway Safety Association released new pedestrian accident death estimates from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. As a Houston car accident lawyer, it was definitely encouraging for me to note that pedestrian accident fatalities in Texas actually declined last year. In 2009, of pedestrians were killed in accidents in Texas. In 2010, that number actually dropped to 123
The national estimates, however, show a slight increase in the number of pedestrians killed in accidents last year. The increase is minute-just over .4% However, it has been disconcerting for federal agencies to notice even a slight increase, considering that these numbers have been down for four years in a row.
So what could be the reason for this overall drop in American pedestrian accident fatalities across the country? The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration believes it has much to do with pedestrians themselves. For example, the agency is pointing to distracted pedestrians, who are plugged into their i-Pod or music systems while walking. These distracted pedestrians will not be able to hear or see an approaching, car, and may therefore be at a higher risk of a serious accident.
However, I would’ve liked to see the agency make more mention of negligent motorists and reckless driving practices that are also a factor in pedestrian fatalities. It seems unfair to lay all the blame on pedestrians who are some of the most vulnerable users on our roads. No one is denying that some pedestrians can act with utter disregard for their own safety. However, overall, most pedestrians tend to obey traffic rules, and try to keep themselves safe as much as possible.
Vuk Vujasinovic is a Board Certified Houston personal injury attorney who practices Houston auto accident and other personal injury cases.
For more info on how Vuk can help you with your potential case please call him at (877) 724-7800 or fill out the contact form on the right.
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