Why Virginia Pedestrian Accidents, Injuries, and Fatalities Continue to Climb

At Wind Injury Law LLC., our Virginia personal injury attorney is acutely aware of the alarming rise in pedestrian fatalities. In fact, the number of pedestrians who were struck and killed by vehicles last year across the U.S. was the highest it’s been since 1981, according to a report based on state government data.

Unfortunately, those numbers are equally high closer to home.

According to the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles, there were 1,476 pedestrian crashes statewide last year resulting in 1,390 injuries and 171 deaths—a 36.8% increase from the previous year.

This increase rate in pedestrian accidents, injuries, and fatalities in Virginia can be attributed to several factors, which we will explore in detail.

What Behaviors are Driving Increases in Pedestrian Accidents in Virginia?

One of the factors noted across the U.S., including Viriginia, is the prevalence of distracted driving, including texting, talking on the phone, and other activities, which contributes to an increased risk of pedestrian accidents.

When drivers are distracted, they are less likely to notice pedestrians crossing the road or walking along the sidewalk, leading to collisions and injuries.

Other causes of rising pedestrian accidents, injuries, and fatalities include, but are not limited to:

• Lack of Pedestrian Infrastructure

Some areas in Virginia lack adequate pedestrian infrastructure, such as sidewalks, crosswalks, and pedestrian signals. Without safe pathways for pedestrians to walk and cross the street, they may be forced to navigate hazardous conditions, increasing the likelihood of accidents.

• Speeding

Speeding is a significant factor in many pedestrian accidents. Higher vehicle speeds increase the severity of injuries in the event of a collision and reduce the reaction time available for drivers to avoid pedestrians. Last year, 36 pedestrians were killed by speeding vehicles in Virginia.

• Alcohol and Drug Impairment

Alcohol and drug impairment can significantly increase the risk of accidents. Drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs are less able to react to pedestrians in their path. Last year, 58 pedestrians were killed in alcohol-related crashes in Virginia.

• Failure to Yield

Some pedestrian accidents occur due to drivers’ failure to yield the right of way to pedestrians at crosswalks or intersections. When drivers disregard traffic laws or fail to observe pedestrians in their vicinity, collisions can occur, resulting in injuries or fatalities. Last year, 32 pedestrians were killed by vehicle drivers who failed to yield in Virginia.

If you or someone you love has been injured or lost their life in a pedestrian accident, contact our dedicated pedestrian accident attorney in Richmond, Virginia, today to discuss your case during a free consultation. We want to hear your story to ensure your voice is heard and work diligently to ensure guarantee you are treated fairly and get justice in your case.

Related Links:

• Why Virginia Drunk Driving Accidents Account for a Disproportionately High Number of Catastrophic Injuries & Fatalities
• Navigating the Maze: Determining Liability in Virginia Rideshare Accidents
• Why Truck Driver Fatigue Can Lead to Serious Virginia Traffic Accidents
• How Black Box Data Can Strengthen Injury Claims in Virginia Tractor-Trailer Accidents
• What Makes Bicycle Accidents So Dangerous for the Brain and Spine in High-Speed Collisions

About the Author

Ryan Wind

Ryan E. Wind is the founder of Wind Injury Law, LLC, a Virginia personal injury law firm based in Richmond that serves people throughout Virginia who have been harmed by the negligence of another. The legal practice at Wind Injury Law, LLC handles all types of motor vehicle crashes, premise liability claims, and other personal injury cases in Virginia. You can learn more about Ryan below. Call Wind Injury Law, LLC at 804-635-3642 for a free consultation with Ryan regarding a personal injury claim.