Even when a motor vehicle is a person’s primary source of transportation, they are still likely to find themselves traveling as a pedestrian most days. This is because you must travel from your parked car to your destination. Whether it is in a parking lot, on a sidewalk or in a crosswalk, pedestrians are faced with risks because motor vehicles are travel on or near where they are walking.
In Illinois and other states across the nation, there remains a concern for pedestrian injuries and fatalities due to motor vehicle crashes. With pedestrian deaths increasing over the past few years, it is important that those harmed by a pedestrian accident understand their rights when it comes to holding a negligent motorist accountable.
Pedestrian accident data
Based on current national data, the first half of 2023, there were 2,373 deaths caused by a motor vehicle strike. This was 153 less deaths occurring during the first half of the prior year. This represents a slight decrease of 4 percent.
In the state of Illinois, 99 pedestrians were killed in a motor vehicle crash in the first half of 2023. This is a 8.79 percent increase from the pedestrian deaths occurring in the first half of 2022. In this same timeframe analysis, 17 other states also experienced an increase in pedestrian fatalities.
Causes and factors
Based on reports, there are multiple factors responsible for the concerning statistics for pedestrian accidents and pedestrian deaths. To begin, the U.S. experienced a steep drop in traffic enforcement since 2020, resulting in more speeding, drunk driving and other reckless driving habits.
Additionally, roads are designed for speed. Fast-moving traffic occurring near pedestrians is far more dangerous than slower speeds. Finally, there remains a lack of sidewalks, crosswalks and sufficient lighting where people frequently travel by foot.
Whether you were harmed in a pedestrian crash or lost a loved one in one, it is important to understand your rights and options. A civil action, such as a personal injury claim or wrongful death suit can help hold a negligent driver accountable while also assisting with the recovery of compensation for losses and damages.