In Colorado, walking is considered a way of life. However, 93 pedestrians died in 2020 in Colorado due to traffic crashes. Nationally, 5,000 pedestrians die, while 70,000 are injured annually. Among these deaths, the elderly and young are the most likely to die or get injured. So, what are the most common reasons for pedestrian accidents in Colorado?
There isn’t much being done to prevent pedestrian accidents every week as people walk to and from places like school and work. As a result, many pedestrians suffer from severe injuries since they are unprotected against the force of vehicles and trucks. And since these injuries may demand long-term significant medical care, most families find it hard to pay the hospital bills.
In Colorado, you might be entitled to compensation if you experience injury or have lost a loved one in a pedestrian accident. It is essential to note the most common causes of pedestrian accidents.
The Causes of Pedestrian Accidents In Colorado
Usually, pedestrian accident victims from SUVs, cars, and trucks are more likely to be in urban areas, intersections, and busy cities. So as a driver, you should always drive carefully around pedestrians, especially children. Even though you’ve crossed the road several times without incident, it is unfortunate that the risk of experiencing a pedestrian injury can occur at any time. With that in mind, factors that contribute to Colorado pedestrian accidents include:
- Lack of yielding to the right of way to the pedestrians
- Driving while talking or texting on call
- The use of alcohol or drugs
- Ignoring pedestrian crosswalks, stop signs, and red lights
- Speeding in high traffic areas like school, recreational, and residential areas
- Not adjusting to different weather conditions
Pedestrian Accident Injuries and Death Statistics
- 76 percent of pedestrians were killed while on walks in urban areas
- 74 percent of nighttime accidents are fatal
- 72 percent of the fatalities weren’t on intersections
- 28 percent of Colorado pedestrian accidents occurred between 6 pm and 9 pm on weekends
Most Common Pedestrian Injuries in Colorado
Certain factors like the size of the vehicle and its speed affect the depth of injuries suffered in an accident. But large trucks and cars are more likely to cause death or very severe injuries. Some of the common pedestrian injuries include:
- Injuries to the head
- Injuries to the spinal cord
- Injuries to soft tissues and the back
- Traumatic injuries to the brain
- Fractured or broken bones
In most cases, patients stay in the hospital for extensive injury treatment and rehabilitation. This is expensive for pedestrian accident victims and their families.
Preventing Pedestrian Accidents
Tips For Pedestrians
Follow the available signals at intersections and traffic lights. Find and press the button at the crosswalk and wait until you see the WALK signal. Ensure you follow the crossing rules, keep your head up and focused on the road, and put your phone away when crossing the street.
Wait and refrain from crossing the street if you get a flashing DON’T WALK signal. But if the signal comes up when you are in the middle of the road, keep walking since you still have time left to cross. Never start crossing the street when you see the DON’T WALK signal.
Wait for the green traffic light and the WALK signal because they tell you when it’s time to cross the street. However, this doesn’t mean it is safe to cross; it merely means you should look left and right and then cross only if you deem it safe.
If there is a moving driver, make eye contact to ensure they see you. If you walk at night, wear light colors and walk along streetlights to ensure you are visible to drivers.
Tips For Drivers
Never stop in the crosswalk. Instead, stop before it, and once the light turns green, drive slow as you check your surroundings to ensure you are moving cautiously. Make eye contact with present pedestrians to ensure you can safely cross through the intersection.
When turning, use your turn signal to indicate to others that you are turning. Slow down if you see pedestrians and keep your phone put away. Urban areas are precarious driving spaces. And at night, keep your headlights on and reduce your driving speed.
It’s Up To All Of Us
At one time or another, most of us will be either drivers or pedestrians. If we all heed these simple tips, we can be part of the solution, instead of part of the problem.