Illinois ranks 31st in country for pedestrian safety
Pedestrians in Illinois can take precautions to avoid a serious collision with a motor vehicle.
In Champaign-Urbana and across Illinois, pedestrians take to the streets during the summer months, both to enjoy the weather and to participate in a healthy method of transportation. Motorists need to take care during these times of increased pedestrian traffic to ensure they do not cause a serious pedestrian accident.
According to a recent study – conducted by Smart Growth America – Illinois placed 31st in the United States in terms of pedestrian safety. The report, called Dangerous by Design 2014, found that 13 percent of all traffic deaths in Illinois were pedestrians from 2003 to 2012. In all, 1,488 pedestrians were killed in auto accidents in Illinois during that period.
The statistics were similar in Champaign-Urbana, where 26 pedestrians were killed during that period. In total, pedestrian deaths accounted for almost 12 percent of all traffic fatalities in Champaign-Urbana from 2003 to 2012.
Illinois’ pedestrian fatality rate is slightly above the national average, according to the report. In the United States, just over 47,000 pedestrians died in collisions with motor vehicles from 2003 to 2012 – accounting for 12.3 percent of all traffic fatalities in the country.
Take steps to avoid a serious pedestrian accident
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the young and the old are the most at risk of being involved in a pedestrian accident in the United States. In addition, those who are under the influence of alcohol or distracted by a cellphone are also at a higher risk of being the victim of a pedestrian crash.
Pedestrians can take some precautions in an effort to decrease the likelihood that they will be involved in a collision with a motor vehicle. For instance, pedestrians should use sidewalks and crosswalks whenever possible. When sidewalks are not available, pedestrians should travel toward oncoming traffic.
Pedestrians can also take steps to ensure they are visible to motorists, particularly when traveling at night. Wearing bright clothing and clothes with reflective panels will ensure drivers can easily spot anyone traveling on foot.
When a motor vehicle collides with a pedestrian, the individual on foot is likely to suffer serious injuries. Often, these injuries are accompanied by hefty medical bills and time off from work to recover. If you have been injured in a pedestrian accident in Illinois, take steps to protect your interests. You should consider talking to a skilled personal injury attorney, who will work to recover damages to account for the harm suffered in the crash.
Keywords: pedestrian, Illinois, accident
