According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, the leading cause of death for Nevada residents between the age of 5 and 34, is motor vehicle collisions. Most accidents occur at night when pedestrians are not as visible to oncoming traffic and the speed of traffic is misjudged by those crossing the street.
Where Do Most Accidents Occur?
The most common pedestrian accident occurs when the front of a car comes in contact with a pedestrian. Most people associate a pedestrian with a person walking, but pedestrians make up a much larger group of people. Pedestrians include:
- Walkers
- Joggers
- Skateboarders
- In-line skaters
- Sidewalks scooters
- Wheelchair users
- Strollers
Crosswalks are meant to be the safest route for a pedestrian to cross the street, however they can sometimes be just as dangerous as crossing in the middle of the street. Drivers sometimes fail to see that there is a crosswalk approaching; and likewise, pedestrians do not always cross when signaled by the illuminated crossing signs on the opposite end of the street, making the possibility of being struck by an oncoming vehicle more likely.
The Las Vegas Strip can be quite dangerous for pedestrians with the consistently large volume of traffic that is present. And because Las Vegas is a top destination for out-of-town visitors, these pedestrians may not be used to the traffic rhythm on the strip. Most pedestrian accidents occur on weekend nights, between Friday and Sunday. Oftentimes, alcohol and driver negligence play a significant role in pedestrian accidents. And while it is not yet known why, statistics show that males are more often struck by vehicles than women are.
Airports pose another significant risk involving pedestrian accidents. With the constant hustle and bustle of busy travelers, airport parking lots and drop-off zones are an increasingly dangerous area for pedestrian-vehicle collision. In Las Vegas, the McCarron International Airport is expected to have an increase of patrons each year, especially as its new Terminal 3 brings in more visitors.
Traffic Accidents and Children
Because children do not have the same level of judgment and awareness of adults, they are particularly vulnerable to accidents involving moving vehicles. Common places where children are struck, include:
- Driveways – especially by high-profile vehicles such as SUVs
- Busy parking lots – children sometimes break free from their parents and are struck by maneuvering vehicles
- School bus stops
- School crosswalks
Common Pedestrian Injuries
Usually, people associate fatal car accidents with two vehicles colliding. However, fatal accidents involving pedestrians are a growing problem, with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimating that every 113 minutes, a pedestrian is killed in a traffic crash. Even more, the World Health Organization estimates that in some countries, 40% of fatal traffic accidents involve pedestrians.
The most common pedestrian injuries include:
- Broken arms and legs
- Head injuries
- Brain injuries
- Neck injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
Some of these are potentially life-altering and even fatal. Because pedestrians have virtually no protection against vehicle collision, drivers must practice safe driving habits at all times.
Consult a Personal Injury Attorney
If you or a loved one has been involved in a pedestrian accident, contact a personal injury attorney. Depending on the circumstances, the driver may be at fault if serious injury or death has occurred. You may be owed compensation for injury, or if a loved one has been involved in a fatal accident, a wrongful-death claim could be filed.
