Sponsored by the American Heart Association, National Walking Day is observed on the first Wednesday of April each year. This year, it falls on April 3rd. It’s a day dedicated to raising awareness of the benefits of walking, and encouraging individuals to take simple yet meaningful steps toward improving their health and well-being. It’s also important to remember about the risks of pedestrian accidents when walking.
How to Observe National Walking Day
- Go for a 30-minute walk.
- Find a new trail near you or walk around your neighborhood.
- Visit a local park or walk on your treadmill if the weather isn’t good.
- Take your dog with you on the walk. They need the cardiovascular workout too!
The Risk of Pedestrian Accidents
Walking has many benefits, including better cardiovascular health, maintaining a healthy weight, more joint flexibility, stronger muscles, and improved mental health. But there are risks too. When walking near motor vehicles, pedestrians do need to be aware of their surroundings.
Reducing the risk of pedestrian accidents requires a multi-faceted approach involving education, enforcement, and infrastructure improvements. Public awareness campaigns can educate both drivers and pedestrians about the importance of road safety and the need to share the road responsibly. Law enforcement agencies can enforce traffic laws related to speeding, distracted driving, and yielding to pedestrians. Additionally, urban planners and policymakers can prioritize pedestrian-friendly infrastructure enhancements such as improved crosswalks, traffic calming measures, and better lighting.
If you or a loved one was injured as a pedestrian, it is a good idea to contact an experienced local pedestrian injury attorney.
Pedestrian Accidents: Understanding the Statistics
Pedestrians are inherently more vulnerable than occupants of motor vehicles. Because of this vulnerability, they are more likely to suffer severe injuries or fatalities when a collision occurs. Common pedestrian injuries include broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and internal organ damage. The emotional and psychological impact on victims and their families can also be profound. These impacts can lead to long-term physical disabilities and emotional trauma.
According to data from the NHTSA:
- In 2021 there were 7,388 pedestrians killed in traffic crashes, which marked a 12.5 percent increase from the 6,565 pedestrian fatalities in 2020. This is the highest since 1981 when 7,837 pedestrians died in traffic crashes.
- In 2021 there were an estimated 60,577 pedestrians injured in traffic crashes, which was an 11 percent increase from 54,771 pedestrians injured in 2020.
- Pedestrian deaths were responsible for 17 percent of all traffic fatalities and two percent of all people injured in traffic crashes in 2021.
Risk factors for pedestrian accidents:
In 2021, 49 percent of all fatal pedestrian crashes involved an intoxicated driver and/or pedestrian with blood alcohol concentration [BAC] of .01 grams per deciliter [g/dL] or higher. Perhaps as a result of fear of being charged with DUI, nearly one out of every four pedestrians killed in traffic crashes in 2021
(23%) were struck by hit-and-run drivers.
Other risk factors include the dark, pedestrians walking outside of intersections, and urban areas.
Seek the help of a pedestrian injury lawyer
If you or a loved one was injured because of the negligence of another, contact a personal injury lawyer to discuss your legal rights. Let an experienced pedestrian injury attorney fight for the full compensation that you deserve. It is not uncommon to receive a settlement from the insurance company that is five to ten times larger with the help of a lawyer. Call the personal injury lawyers at Tario & Associates, P.S. in Bellingham, WA today for a FREE consultation! We have been representing residents of Whatcom County, Skagit County, Island County and Snohomish County since 1979. You will pay nothing up front and no attorney fees at all unless we recover damages for you!
