Common pedestrian hazards include distracted drivers, drunk drivers, distracted pedestrians, drunk pedestrians, and poor city planning. These hazards can result in catastrophic accidents.
You can learn more about the hazards faced by individuals walking alongside the road and your options after a collision from a Los Angeles pedestrian accident lawyer.
An attorney could help you build a claim for compensation for your losses after a crash.
Prime Examples of Common Hazards to Pedestrians
Some of the biggest hazards to pedestrians include:
1. Distracted Drivers: The Most Dangerous of All Pedestrian Hazards
Distracted drivers are arguably the most dangerous hazard pedestrians face while walking. Motorists who engage in distracted driving cause a tremendous number of traffic crashes, with collisions often resulting in pedestrian injuries.
In the event of a crash, there’s a significant likelihood of pedestrian fatalities, no matter what type of distraction these drivers engage in. The risk of a deadly crash can increase when motorists text and drive, as this behavior involves the three main distractions drivers succumb to all too often: manual, cognitive, and visual.
2. Distracted Pedestrians: The Most Unexpected of All Pedestrian Hazards
While it is true that pedestrians are at a disadvantage in car collisions, they themselves get in their own way. Many pedestrians become too complacent on these sidewalks to the point that they distract themselves and fail to look for hazards. In turn, they become the pedestrian hazard.
Distracted pedestrians often engage in the following distractions:
- Listening to music
- Texting
- Being on their phones
- Talking to their friends
Pedestrians need to pay attention to their surroundings in parking lots, when walking along the road, when using a crosswalk, and any other time they’re close to motor vehicles. Paying attention can reduce the odds of pedestrian crashes, especially if pedestrians follow other safety tips.
It’s crucial that you avoid pedestrian distractions while walking.
3. Poor City Planning: The Root Cause of All Pedestrian Hazards
Highways and freeways have indeed made a significant impact on the economy. However, their establishment has led to an increase in pedestrian fatalities. This increase is because urban planning prioritizes vehicle transportation, which unfortunately comes at the expense of overall pedestrian safety.
Activist groups are lobbying for change, along with the recent efforts to implement the Vision Zero Initiative and more pedestrian-friendly traffic laws, and we might be seeing a shift for the better.
These shifts don’t change the fact, however, that pedestrian fatalities remain high. Pedestrians today must walk with caution as they wade through multiple potential hazards.
4. Drivers Under the Influence
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration cautions pedestrians against drunk drivers on the road, as they could easily careen into a sidewalk and cause someone’s fatal injuries. You should always look out for signs of impaired driving.
For example, a driver swerving unpredictably in between lanes could easily run into you, even though you’re not in their way. Their inebriation may disorient them, so if you spot a car that seems to be running at odd, inconsistent speeds, seek refuge behind a tall and sturdy object if there’s any.
You can turn to a lawyer for help after a crash caused by drunk driving.
5. Pedestrians Under the Influence
Pedestrians under the influence of alcohol and other drugs get in the way of their own safety, too. Their lapse in judgment and disorientation may lead them to endanger themselves and others.
You can protect yourself by maintaining a safe distance from anyone who appears impaired.
More Information About Common Pedestrian Hazards
Pedestrian hazards can appear in unexpected ways. In many cases, pedestrians face safety threats even when they follow all the rules of the road and behave in a responsible, reasonable way.
You can get more information about potential hazards from a skilled attorney who understands the risks pedestrians face when walking alongside motorists. A lawyer can also give you information about what to do after a collision and stand by you throughout all stages of the legal process.
Pedestrian Accident Statistics
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has reported that one pedestrian wrongful death occurs every 75 minutes, accounting for 7,148 pedestrians killed in 2024 alone.
77% happened at night, per the Governors Highway Safety Association. This statistic is a stark contrast to the figures seen in 2014, at 3,510 pedestrian deaths.
As fatalities show no signs of slowing, we all need to watch for pedestrian hazards on the road for our own safety. We cannot change the fact that the current laws have proven insufficient to protect us from harm. However, we can adjust our behavior or be more mindful when using the sidewalk.
(310) 526-8383You Can Get Legal Help After a Pedestrian Accident
In the aftermath of a pedestrian crash, you can reach out to a Los Angeles personal injury lawyer for professional help pursuing compensation from the at–fault party.
A lawyer can:
- Explain the steps you may take after a collision
- Answer any legal questions that you have
- Gather evidence to prove someone else caused your accident
- Handle all legal communication on your behalf
- Focus on advocating for fair compensation for all of your losses
You can get immediate legal help by reaching out to a personal injury attorney after a collision.
Investigating the Causes of Pedestrian Accidents
Your personal injury attorney can assist by determining the root cause of your pedestrian crash. For example, a lawyer could help after a collision caused by:
- A driver ignoring posted speed limits
- A driver blowing through a traffic signal or red light
- Road users failing to check their blind spot in parking lots
- Failure to yield
- Poor road design
You need to reach out to a personal injury law firm after your accident to discuss the specifics of your situation.
Pedestrian Safety Tips in California
As a pedestrian, you can take steps to protect yourself on the road. Some standard methods to minimize the chances of a pedestrian accident include:
- Wearing reflective clothing, especially when walking at night
- Obeying all pedestrian signals when crossing an intersection
- Avoiding distractions when walking
However, you could end up in a motor vehicle crash even if you focus on safety. If you get hurt due to someone else’s negligence, you can turn to a lawyer for help throughout the legal process.
(310) 526-8383Talk to Us After a Pedestrian Crash in California
So, what are common pedestrian hazards? Hazards can include distracted drivers or pedestrians, drunk drivers or pedestrians, and poor road design choices. Any of these hazards could result in a pedestrian accident.
In the event of a crash, you can take steps to get immediate legal support from our team at Omega Law Group Accident & Injury Attorneys. We’re here and ready to provide assertive advocacy for your legal matters.
We’re ready to help you pursue compensation for your losses.
