Increasing the Safety Profile of Pedestrians in New Orleans
New Orleans is a dangerous place for pedestrian accidents, and staying safe is a high priority. According to the Governor’s Highway Safety Association, the incidence of pedestrian accidents is high in the city and continues to grow. Communities are searching for ways to promote pedestrian safety. Let’s explore pedestrian safety in New Orleans, the reasons pedestrian accidents occur, what can be done to keep walkers safe and how a car accident lawyer can help when a pedestrian is involved.
Pedestrian Deaths
In 2020, pedestrian deaths were at an all-time high in the United States with 6,271 fatalities. This reflects a 4.8 percent increase from the fatalities recorded in 2019. Even though the traffic was less due to the pandemic, the number of pedestrian fatalities increased. In New Orleans, more than 400 people were killed during this period.
Reasons for Pedestrian Accidents
By knowing the circumstances surrounding pedestrian injuries and deaths, it is easier for walkers to avoid dangerous situations. For the most part, driver error is responsible for a pedestrian accident. Some of the reasons for driver-based pedestrian injuries are:
- Speeding: A speeding driver is unable to control their vehicle and stop in time to avoid an accident. A collision between a pedestrian and a speeding vehicle is more likely to cause serious injuries or death than when a vehicle is traveling at a slower speed.
- Distraction: A driver who is not focused on the road often does not see a pedestrian ahead. This leads to pedestrian accidents. Distraction is becoming one of the leading causes of accidents.
- Drunk driving: Drivers who are inebriated are more likely to speed through an intersection without stopping. Pedestrians in the crosswalk are not safe when this happens.
- Government negligence: Many times, a government agency responsible for road maintenance is at fault. It is important to keep crosswalk areas well lit and to maintain the roads. If this obligation is neglected, the injured pedestrian or their family in the case of a wrongful death can file a claim against the city. The time limit to file is much shorter than in other personal injury lawsuits. Your attorney will ensure that all documents are filed properly and within the filing period.
Keeping Pedestrians Safe
There are ways for pedestrians to stay safe. Some cities hold campaigns to promote pedestrian safety. Others rely on city and state efforts to provide pedestrians with safe ways to navigate on foot. Finally, pedestrians need to be responsible for their own safety. Let’s take a look at the main ways to keep pedestrians safe:
- Drivers need to realize they share the road with walkers and take special care to be cognizant of pedestrians.
- Motorists need to obey the rules of the road and drive in a way that protects everyone.
- City and state agencies need to restructure intersections and roadways in a way that allows pedestrians to travel safely.
- Roads need to be checked for lack of lane markings and overgrowth of foliage that can hide traffic signage.
- Roads must be well-lit, especially in intersections and near crosswalks.
- Traffic lights must function as they are intended.
- Pedestrians need to hear what is going on about them, so talking on a cell phone or listening to a radio might be a bad choice.
- Neither drivers nor pedestrians should be inebriated.
New Orleans Car Accident Lawyers – Olinde Law Firm
The Olinde Law Firm always has your best interests front and center. Call us if you are injured in a pedestrian/motor vehicle accident. You can reach us at (800) 587-1889 or contact us online. We’ve helped numerous residents of New Orleans obtain the compensation they deserve for pedestrian accidents and wrongful deaths as well as many other traumatic incidents.