Many, if not most, pedestrian crashes are truly the fault of the drivers that strike people who are traveling on foot. All too often, drivers don’t pay attention to their surroundings and fail to check for pedestrians, even in places like parking lots and the crosswalks of major intersections.
Obviously, those who are out walking or jogging have no control over what people in vehicles do. However, they can make choices that can potentially reduce their risk of getting into a crash that could leave them severely injured. What personal habits can influence someone’s chances of being involved in a pedestrian collision?
1. Walking home after drinking
Drunk driving is never the right choice, but walking home drunk isn’t particularly safe either. According to an analysis of deadly pedestrian collisions by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, alcohol is a leading contributing factor in many fatal pedestrian crashes.
Sometimes, it is the driver of the vehicle who is under the influence. However, more often, it is the pedestrian who has had too much to drink. Walking home all drunk might mean making bad choices or stumbling at a moment when it is particularly dangerous to do so.
2. Walking or jogging on busier or rural roads
Some people, like those who walk to work every day, don’t have much control over the path that they take. However, those who walk or jog for exercise often pick areas where there is attractive scenery. Going to urban centers or rural areas to walk might mean that the environment is particularly exciting or attractive, but it often means someone’s risk is higher.
Anywhere there are more vehicles, there will be a greater risk of a crash occurring. Additionally, on rural roads where speed limits are higher and there are fewer offices engaging in enforcement efforts, the risk of a pedestrian crash leading to severe injuries or death is much higher because of the faster speed of the vehicle.
Choosing to get a ride home from a bar or a party and planning a route via an area with less traffic and lower speed limits could help someone avoid a serious pedestrian crash.