Massachusetts Personal Injury Library
Pedestrian Accidents in Massachusetts: Alarming Number of Injuries and Deaths
An alarming 4,654 deaths occurred in the USA in 2007 because of motor vehicle and pedestrian accidents. That figure equates to almost 13 deaths a day; one every other hour from these horrific crashes.
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), in a 2005 report states that 1 million injuries occur each year on US roads. Many of these accidents occur in Massachusetts.
Walking As a Means of Transportation
Accoridng to WalkingInfo.org, 107.4 million Americans walk regularly as a mode of transportation. The New England states account for 10.3% of these pedestrians.
The pedestrians referenced in this study stated that they walk at least three out of seven days each week as their primary method of travel.
People are walking for various reasons according to WalkingInfo.org:
- Health benefits
- Personal errands
- Recreation
- Travel from home to school or work
- Walk the dog
Pedestrian Accident Statistics
According to the IIHS,
- 20% of pedestrian-automobile deaths occurred in Hit-and-Run Accidents.
- Children 12 years or younger have the lowest death rate during pedestrian and vehicle accidents.
- Pedestrians 70 and older having the highest rate.
- 70% of the pedestrians fatalities in 2007 were male.
Other pedestrian accident statistics include:
- Pedestrian accidents happen more often on urban roads
- Accidents occur more often on freeways and interstates
- If the victim is over 60, its likely the accident happened in an intersection
- Alcohol is commonly a factor, especially at night
- The driver of the vehicle is usually speeding
- 72% of pedestrian accidents in 2007 occurred in urban areas
- 71% of these accidents in 2007 happened on major roads
- Most pedestrian accidents take place between 6:00 pm and midnight
- Pedestrian accidents are more frequent on Friday, Saturday, or Sunday
The most serious injuries occur when pedestrians are:
- Thrown onto hoods
- Hurled onto/through windshields
- Tossed onto the top of the vehicle hood
US Department of Transportation Report
In a report from the U.S. Department of Transportation, fatalities occur more often as the speed of the vehicle increases. Reducing the speed limits in high accident areas can go a long way to increase pedestrian safety.
How a Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help
If you have been the victim in a pedestrian accident due to someone else’s negligence, contact an experienced Massachusetts pedestrian accident lawyer to protect and preserve your rights.
It’s during this most critical time that you will need an experienced legal team on your side!
Call 1-888-208-1695 today. Free Consultations!
