When pedestrians are involved in crashes with motor vehicles, they are at risk of suffering from catastrophic injuries that sometimes require extensive medical treatment and time away from work. Even when vehicles travel at low speeds, they can inflict fatal accidents in the event of a Houston pedestrian crash.
According to a new report from the Governor’s Highway Safety Association, there were 6,227 pedestrians killed in accidents nationwide in 2018, marking a 4% increase from 2017. This is the largest number of pedestrian fatalities reported in the United States in the past 30 years.
Of all the states, Texas ranked third-highest in pedestrian traffic fatalities, and Houston residents make a significant number of these deaths. The city is actively trying to improve pedestrian safety, but it is crucial to understand why pedestrian accidents occur and how to reduce your risk of being involved in a pedestrian collision.
The team of Houston pedestrian accident attorneys at West Loop Law and the Law Office of Nhan Nguyen, MD, JD can discuss your rights after being unfairly injured in a pedestrian accident. Nhan Nguyen, Nader Rabie, and the rest of our experienced legal team are dedicated to ensuring that you recover the compensation you deserve after being unfairly injured by another driver.
Texas Pedestrian Fatality Statistics
The statistics show that deadly pedestrian accidents across the state are on the rise. In the first six months of 2018, there were 298 pedestrian fatalities reported in Texas, compared to only 266 during the same period in 2017, meaning that 32 additional pedestrians were killed by drivers. This marks a nearly 12% increase in pedestrian fatalities in the state.
Texas has the third-highest number of pedestrian fatalities in 2018 out of all 50 states, and the pedestrian fatality rate in 2018 was 1.04 per 100,000 population.
The state is also among seven states expected to reach more than 100 deaths involving pedestrian crashes and among five states accounting for around half of all pedestrian fatalities nationwide.
Improvements in Pedestrian Safety
The city of Houston is always trying to implement changes in order to address pedestrian safety concerns. The goal is to establish a secure and accessible pedestrian network by increasing the use, safety, and convenience of walking in the Houston area while improving the overall walking experience. Some recommended policies and programs include:
- Increase the width of sidewalks
- Design streets with safer speeds limits
- Design intersections to improve pedestrian safety
- Provide barrier-protected sidewalks
- Add outdoor lighting on pedestrian walkways
- Determine ways to prevent collisions at driveways
- Separate bike and pedestrian paths in areas where bike and pedestrian accidents are most frequent
- Reduce speeds on city streets
- Update driveway standards for slower turning speeds
- Install additional traffic signals to slow speeds at schools and other high pedestrian use areas
- Create best practices for installing crosswalks at mid-block locations
- Create incentives for developers to help develop walkable areas
- Improve pedestrian crossings in areas where there is a high rate of pedestrians
- Connect existing pedestrian developments together
- Require public access easements to be built to adhere to public street standards
The state of Texas also uses Section 402 funds under the State Highway Safety program to improve driver behavior and reduce the danger of pedestrian fatalities caused by vehicle collisions.
Pedestrian Accident Lawyers Houston
Pedestrians walking the streets of Houston are some of the most vulnerable to being seriously injured in the event of a car accident. The legal team at West Loop Law and the Law Office of Nhan Nguyen, MD, JD can help you recover after being unfairly injured by a reckless driver. Nhan Nguyen, MD, JD, Nader A. Rabie, JD, and the rest of our team of experienced Houston pedestrian accident lawyers have over 14 years of combined experience, and we have the resources to pursue all possible avenues for compensation. Give us a call today at 713-840-7200 to discuss your case and see what we can do for you if you have been injured in a pedestrian accident in Houston.
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