Walking Is Dangerous

Frank was crossing Franconia Rd. in Springfield, Virginia when he was struck and killed by a speeding car. He died in the emergency room of Fairfax Hospital.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in 2009, 4,092 people were involved in fatal pedestrian accidents, almost 11 fatalities a day.

According to the U.S. Department of Transportation - Federal Highway Administration, pedestrian accidents occur most frequently in urban areas where pedestrian activity and traffic volumes are greater compared to rural areas. The National Safety Council estimates that 85.7% of all pedestrian injuries in the United States occur in urban areas and 14.3% occur in rural areas.

In terms of actual accident locations, 65% occur at non-intersections. This is particularly true for child pedestrian accidents involving children under age 9, primarily because of dart-outs into the street. For ages 45 - 65, accidents are approximately equal for intersections and non-intersections.

Seniors, age 65 and older, are injured more at intersections (59%) compared to non-intersections (41%) since they tend to cross at intersections more often. Moreover, seniors have diminished physical and visual abilities that make street crossings more challenging.

In 2009, of the 4,092 fatalities, the 14-and-younger age group accounted for 244 (6%).

According to NHTSA, in 2009, 59,000 people were injured in pedestrian accidents. Of the 59,000 injured, 13,000 (22%) were children.

According to The U.S. Department of Transportation - Federal Highway Administration, accident involvement rates are the highest for children between the ages of 5 and 9, who tend to dart out into the street. This problem may be compounded by the fact that speeds are frequently a problem in areas where children are walking and playing.

The statistics for seniors (age 65 and over) are lower than for most age groups, which may reflect greater caution by seniors (e.g., less walking at night, fewer dart-outs) and a reduced amount of walking near traffic. However, seniors are much more vulnerable to accidents involving serious injury or death when struck by a motor vehicle than younger pedestrians. For example, the percentage of fatal pedestrian accidents exceeds 20 percent for seniors over age 75, compared to less than 8 percent for pedestrians under age 14.

Gerald Schwartz has 30 years experience as a Virginia pedestrian accident attorney representing clients in Springfield and Annandale, as well as all over Fairfax County. For a free consultation to learn your options, call Gerald Schwartz at (703) 823-0055.