Pedestrians in Connecticut should be cautious when they are crossing streets, walking on sidewalks, jogging or doing anything where there are vehicles. It is unfortunate that even the most careful people will still suffer serious injuries and death in a pedestrian accident. Research is common to analyze these accidents to determine their cause and find strategies to reduce their frequency. This research can be important for those who have been in a pedestrian accident or the families of those who died in a fatal pedestrian accident as it can be beneficial toward a legal filing.
According to the Governors Highway Safety Association, in 2017 there were close to 6,000 fatalities involving pedestrians in the U.S. These are based on projections from the available statistics. It is believed that these accidents could be connected to the rising use of smartphones and people driving under the influence of marijuana. An estimated 16 percent of fatalities on the road involve pedestrians. That is a rise of five percent from several years ago.
The study shows that 2017 will be the second straight year in which there were nearly 6,000 deaths in pedestrian accidents. Researchers view this as a worrisome trend. In the first six months of 2017, there were 2,636 pedestrian fatalities across the 50 states as well as the District of Columbia. It assessed the data with 2,636 fatal accidents involving pedestrians and determined that there were 5,984 deaths in total for the year. In 2016, there were 5,987 such deaths.
People using smartphones is viewed as a major factor. So too is the increasing legalization of marijuana use. The report does not specifically find a connection, but drivers’ ability to operate their vehicles safely is compromised with distractions and while being under the influence of marijuana. Smartphone use rose by 236 percent between 2010 and 2016. As more people use these devices, more medical attention is needed because of accidents due to their use.
While Connecticut does not allow legal marijuana use, this is still problematic as people will use the drug illegally and drive making the number of accidents involving pedestrians a concern. Those who have been injured or lost a loved one in a pedestrian accident should be aware of the need for a full investigation as to how and why it happened. There can be medical expenses, lost time at work and extended problems with injuries. After a fatality, the family will be confronted with multiple issues to deal with. A lawsuit can help to recover compensation for what was lost after pedestrian accidents.
Source: insurancejournal.com, “Study Suggests Pedestrian Fatalities May be Linked to Smartphone, Marijuana Use,” March 1, 2018
