Pedestrians are vulnerable when they are close to motor vehicles. Pedestrian collisions can break bones or cause brain injuries. They can also prove fatal in some cases. Pedestrians generally need to monitor their surroundings carefully, prioritize their visibility in traffic and follow all relevant traffic laws.
They may also need to limit their time on the road when their risk is especially high. According to federal collision statistics, two popular holidays are when pedestrians are at the highest risk of a fatal crash.
Halloween is the most dangerous day for pedestrians
Every year, children celebrating Halloween by trick-or-treating become overly confident in their enthusiasm about collecting candy. They may run out into traffic with tragic consequences.
While there are many more children on the road than usual on Halloween, drivers are not always as careful as they should be. Many adults celebrate the holiday by drinking, which only increases the risk for young pedestrians.
Researchers also note that New Year’s Day tends to see a significant number of fatal pedestrian crashes. The tradition of consuming alcohol on New Year’s Eve undoubtedly contributes to the New Year’s surge in deadly pedestrian collisions. Families grieving after a pedestrian crash and pedestrians who sustain serious injuries may need help seeking justice after a preventable pedestrian collision.
Regardless of when a car-pedestrian crash occurs, the driver who struck the pedestrian may be legally and financially liable for the harm they caused. If there isn’t enough insurance to offset losses, then litigation may be necessary. Reviewing the situation at length can help people evaluate their options for compensation and closure after a pedestrian crash.
