A pedestrian that is distracted by the use of electronic devices while walking, whether it is a cellphone, MP-3 player or any other type of electronic device is at an increased risk of being injured or killed in a Florida traffic accident. The use of electronic devices while walking in traffic has become a huge problem, especially among teens. According to statistics, a teen pedestrian is injured or killed every hour.
Pedestrian fatalities have increased by 15% since 2009 after years of steady decline and this may be due in large part to distractions from electronic devices.
On average in the United States, a pedestrian is killed about every two hours and a pedestrian is injured every ten minutes.
When Motorists are At Fault in a Pedestrian Accident:
A motorist can be at fault in a pedestrian accident for any of the following reasons:
- DUI
- Speeding
- Red-light running
- Failing to yield
- Speeding
- Not using turn signals
When Pedestrians are At Fault in a Pedestrian Accident:
Pedestrians can be at fault in a pedestrian accident when they:
- Do not use crosswalks
- Walk into oncoming traffic
- Do not follow traffic laws
What is a "Pedtextrian"?
The term "pedtextrian" refers to walkers who are so lost in their text messages that they do not watch where they are going. Pedtextrians remind us of the dangers we face in traffic when we are distracted by electronic devices.
Distracted Walking Facts:
- Typing, reading or texting changes a pedestrian's speed and walking pattern.
- People ages 16 to 25 are the most likely to be injured in a distracted walking accident and the majority are injured while talking, not texting.
- Distracted pedestrians may have been a contributing factor in the 4,200 pedestrian fatalities in 2010.
- Texting pedestrians take an average of 18% longer to cross an intersection than those who are not texting or distracted.
Safety Tips for Pedestrians:
- If you wear headphones, keep the volume low enough so that you can hear traffic around you.
- While walking, focus on traffic, people and obstacles around you.
- Always cross at traffic lights or crosswalks.
- Stay alert in parking lots, especially when it is dark outside.
Pedestrian Attorneys in Sarasota and Bradenton:
If you have been injured in a pedestrian accident in Sarasota or Bradenton, please contact the Michael L. Morgan Law Group, P.A., at (941) 218-8220. We work on a contingency fee basis, so there is no cost to you unless we recover on your behalf. Please call us to schedule a free consultation.
