Mobile devices have increased the number of distractions for pedestrians, bicyclists and motorists across the U.S. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Nevada lands at number five on its list of states that are the most dangerous for pedestrians. While fatalities have fallen over the years, serious injuries remain high in number.
Distracted walking describes a pedestrian not paying attention to activity on the sidewalks, streets and intersections as a result of his or her use of a mobile device. Whether talking on the phone, sending a message or taking a picture, a distracted pedestrian may not act quickly enough to avoid an oncoming collision.
Reduction in pedestrian fatalities
Data provided by the NHTSA revealed that an average of 3.07 pedestrian accidents resulted in deaths for every 100,000 residents between 2013 and 2017. As reported by the Las Vegas Review-Journal, the state’s year-over-year pedestrian accidents demonstrated a reduction in fatalities. Officials, however, continue to raise awareness of potentially dangerous accidents to lower them even further.
Safety tips to prevent pedestrian accidents
Most individuals do not realize how serious mobile device distractions are until after a devastating injury or loss occurs. Preventing such accidents generally requires drivers to exercise special care and caution while at busy intersections. While an alert pedestrian is generally mindful of safety, distractions may cause a motorist to have less than 100% of his or her attention focused on the roads.
Crossing streets at their intersections and crosswalks while the light is green may help pedestrians avoid the path of a speeding motorist. Wearing brightly colored clothes and walking in the direction that faces the oncoming traffic also helps prevent accidents.
When circumstances require a legal action
When an accident involving a pedestrian occurs, a victim may require long-term care, physical therapy or rehabilitation to recover. An injured pedestrian may hold a motorist liable for his or her medical expenses, loss of wages and the pain and suffering caused by a motor vehicle accident.