Pennsylvania Auto Accidents Involving Pedestrians

Just How Dangerous are Pennsylvania Roadways for Pedestrians? A new report called Dangerous by Design 2016 examined all major metropolitan areas in the United States to determine which ones were the most dangerous for pedestrians. It also examined the racial, societal, and economic factors that put people at most risk for being involved in a pedestrian/motor vehicle accident.

What Did the Pennsylvania Report Uncover? According to the Dangerous by Design 2016 report, more than 46,000 pedestrians were killed by motor vehicles in the last decade (2005 to 2014). In particular, people of color and older pedestrians were over-represented in the report –  meaning that they were killed at a higher rate than white pedestrians. Non-white pedestrians in America represent just 34.9% of the population but they accounted for 46.1% of all pedestrian deaths. Many point to non-white neighborhoods in America as routinely having poor and often dangerous pedestrian infrastructure.

pedestrian accidents

The report also examined socio-economic roles in pedestrian deaths, as well as the ages of accident victims. Per the report, lower income individuals and uninsured individuals were at a higher risk of being involved in an accident. In addition, older adults over the age of 65 were 50% more likely to be killed while walking when compared to younger individuals.

Street design was another component that the report examined. According to its findings, street design was critical when assessing pedestrian accident fatalities. Many of the pedestrian deaths that occur in America occurred on streets when fast moving traffic was combined with poor pedestrian infrastructure. Improving pedestrian infrastructure and designing streets with pedestrians in mind are two key components to reducing the number of pedestrian fatalities in the United States.

Pennsylvania Rankings on “Dangerous by Design 2016” Report

So how did Pennsylvania rank for pedestrian deaths on the Dangerous by Design 2016 Report? Surprisingly, Pennsylvania was well above the national average. The Commonwealth ranked 34th out of 51 states in pedestrian safety. In the decade between 2005 and 2014, 1,510 pedestrians were killed in accidents. This gives Pennsylvania a Pedestrian Danger Index of 30.3. The Pedestrian Danger Index is a calculation of the local commuters who walk to work combined with the most recent data on pedestrian deaths. Pennsylvania wasn’t included in the breakdown of how race affected pedestrian deaths because more than 90% of fatalities lacked race and ethnicity data.

Pedestrian Accident Statistics from the Report

Several pedestrian accident statistics stood out the most when reviewing the report, for instance:

  • In 2014, 4,884 pedestrians were killed in motor vehicle accidents – 105 more pedestrians than in 2013.
  • On average, 13 pedestrians are struck and killed every day.
  • Americans are 7.2 times more likely to die in a pedestrian accident than from a natural disaster.
  • In North Dakota, Native Americans make up 5% of the population but 38% of all pedestrian deaths.

Pedestrian Accidents are Catastrophic

Due to the sheer weight of motor vehicles and the lack of protection pedestrians have – pedestrian accidents are often catastrophic. Injuries that occur even at slow speeds can be life-threatening and lead to fatalities. Traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, disfigurement, and internal organ damage can all lead to permanent disability and a lifetime of pain and suffering.

Pedestrian accident victims need a law firm on their side from the very start. Since pedestrian accidents are often catastrophic, you need a law firm that will fight for your rights every step of the way and handle insurance companies while you focus your energy on your recovery.

Contact Our Experienced Pennsylvania Pedestrian Accident Lawyers

If you or someone you love has been injured in a pedestrian accident, the experienced pedestrian accident lawyers at McLaughlin & Lauricella, P.C., can help. Our team of lawyers consists of some of the best attorneys in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, and we will fight aggressively for you throughout the legal process.

Talk To A LawyerThe pedestrian accident attorneys at McLaughlin & Lauricella, P.C., have over 68 years of experience representing injured accident victims and their families across Philadelphia, Berks, Bucks, Dauphin, Delaware, Lackawanna, Lehigh, Luzerne, Montgomery, and Northampton counties. We are also proud to serve injured accident victims throughout the State of New Jersey. Contact us today at 215-568-1510 or fill out our confidential contact form to learn more about your legal options.