Most of us have seen on the television and read online how walking is one of the healthiest, cheapest, and most environmentally friendly ways to travel, with millions of people across the UK walking to work, school, the shops, or simply for leisure every day.
Yet despite continued efforts to improve road safety, pedestrians remain one of the most vulnerable groups on Britain’s roads, as unlike drivers and passengers in cars, pedestrians have no physical protection when a collision happens, meaning even low-speed impacts can result in serious or life-changing injuries.
Recent statistics show that hundreds of pedestrians are killed and thousands more are injured on UK roads every year, highlighting the continued need for greater awareness among all road users, and while overall road deaths have generally declined over recent decades, pedestrian casualties remain a major road safety challenge, particularly in urban areas where people and vehicles interact most frequently.
Pedestrian accident hotspots in urban areas include; junctions and crossroads, where turning drivers can become more focused on other traffic rather than pedestrians, and although dedicated crossings are designed to improve safety, accidents still occur when motorists fail to stop or pedestrians misjudge traffic conditions.
Statistically, the 2 most high-risk groups of pedestrians to be involved in an accident are children and older adults, with children’s limited road experience and their developing awareness of their surroundings making it difficult for them to accurately judge vehicle speeds and road hazards. While reduced mobility and slower reaction times can make crossing roads more challenging for older adults.
Many pedestrian accidents could be prevented through greater care and awareness by the road users, examples being not using mobile phones and in-car technology while driving, as well as keeping to the speed limits and not driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
The consequences of a pedestrian accident often extend far beyond the initial injury and victims of it may face long periods away from work, ongoing medical treatment, reduced mobility, psychological conditions such as anxiety or post-traumatic stress disorder, along with financial difficulties caused by lost earnings.
For those who have been injured because of a driver’s negligence, understanding your legal rights is important. Seeking specialist legal advice can help you access the support, rehabilitation, and compensation you may need to move forward after a serious accident.
With over 30 years of experience, our friendly and approachable team of experts are here to help you with clear guidance on the next steps you should take.
You can contact us by calling 01244 956434 or by filling in the contact form on our website.