Transportation Researchers: Distraction to Blame for Pedestrian Fatalities

UNITED STATES – Many transportation researchers believe that distraction is to blame for an increase in pedestrian fatalities in the United States, according to an online news report from king5.com. This specifically includes distraction from cell phone use, both on the part of drivers and pedestrians.

Paul Snyder, chair of transportation design at the College for Creative Studies in Detroit, Michigan, says that distraction is to blame before vehicles are to blame. He shares his analysis in the wake of a report from the U.S. Governors Highway Safety Association that states pedestrian road deaths are nearing a 30-year peak, and trucks and SUVs might be part of the problem.

“I think the answer to it is really social patterns, you know, having very little to do with cars,” Snyder said. 

Pedestrian deaths due to traffic collisions have increased by 46 percent in less than 10 years. Many transportation researchers and safety experts, including Snyder, believe that drivers and walkers distracted by phones and various other things are causing the rising numbers of pedestrian deaths.

While trucks and SUVs have increased in popularity through time, auto manufacturers have made some changes to try to prevent serious injury or death in the event of a pedestrian accident. Many manufacturers have added space under the hood and lowered the bumper on their SUVs and trucks. These changes are attempts to lessen the impact and change the area of the body on which a pedestrian could be struck. 

However, more than use of these vehicles, cell phone use has increased by an astonishing amount. The Governors Highway Safety Association stated in its report that cell phone ownership rose by more than 230 percent from 2010 to 2016. 

Put Our Law Firm's Over 39 Years Of Legal Experience To Work For Your Case!

If you have been injured in any type of accident caused by someone else’s negligence, call Montlick & Associates, Attorneys at Law for your free consultation today. Montlick & Associates, Attorneys at Law has been representing those who suffer serious injuries throughout the Southeast for over 39 years, including but not limited to all smaller cities and rural areas.

No matter where you are located our attorneys are just a phone call away, and we will even come to you. Call us 24 hours day/7 days a week for your Free Consultation at 1-800-LAW-NEED (1-800-529-6333). You can also visit us online at www.montlick.com and use our Free Case Evaluation Form or 24-hour live chat.

Source:https://www.king5.com/article/news/nation-now/distracted-driving-cellphones-seen-as-factors-in-pedestrian-deaths/465-ee4cc37e-34fe-46dc-9a50-4713806ed6fb