Face it, driving in New Jersey can be a real hassle and you cannot always rely on public transportation to be on time. Some people in New Jersey find that simply walking is the best way to get where they want to go. Sadly, pedestrians face the constant risk of being struck by a car. Pedestrian accidents are potentially catastrophic, as a pedestrian is simply no match for an automobile weighing thousands of pounds. A recent uptick in pedestrian accidents has led to campaigns aimed at increasing awareness of this issue.
Pedestrian deaths are on the rise
If a pedestrian is hit by a car, it is likely that the pedestrian will be critically injured or could even die at the scene of the crash. The Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) reports that there was a 21% uptick in pedestrian fatalities in the past year. This is the largest annual increase since these deaths began being recorded. What is more disturbing is that this spike in pedestrian fatalities came in a year where traffic was significantly lighter than normal due to more people working from home and the closure of schools, stores and leisure facilities such as restaurants, bars and theaters.
October has the honor of being National Pedestrian Safety Month
October tends to be the month of the year that sees the most pedestrian deaths on U.S. roadways. Earlier sunsets make it more difficult for motorists to see pedestrians in their vicinity. And as we move into the fall activities and holidays, alcohol consumption is on the rise. All these factors can easily lead to an auto-pedestrian accident. Thus, the U.S. Department of Transportation and the GHSA have designated October as National Pedestrian Safety Month.
Respect the rights of pedestrians
Pedestrians in New Jersey have every right to be on the road as motorists. Sadly, even pedestrians who take all safety precautions such on staying on the sidewalk, looking both ways when crossing the street and obeying street signs and traffic signals, can be struck by a car. If so, they will want to explore all avenues of compensation including filing a personal injury lawsuit if appropriate.
