By Jason Martinez
January 17, 2023
In the realm of trucking and fleet management, road safety is paramount. The statistics concerning pedestrian-related accidents in the United States are a sobering reminder of the responsibility that rests on the shoulders of all drivers. Pedestrian safety is not just a concern for the pedestrians themselves. It’s a concern for commercial drivers, as well. In this article, we will explore how commercial drivers can play a significant role in reducing pedestrian accidents and the associated risks.
Understanding the Severity of Pedestrian Accidents
Pedestrian accidents are a persistent issue on American roads, resulting in tragic consequences. According to the CDC, in 2017, a pedestrian died in a car accident every 66 minutes, totaling 5,977 fatalities for the year. In 2021, this number increased to 7,388. That resulted in nearly a 13% increase from 2020’s numbers. What’s even more concerning, is that non-fatal accidents involving pedestrians are far more common, with approximately 137,000 pedestrians requiring emergency room treatment due to car accidents in 2017.
For commercial drivers, the consequences of being found liable in such accidents can be substantial. No one wants to be responsible for injuring or causing the wrongful death of another person. Therefore, it is crucial for drivers to take proactive steps to ensure pedestrian safety, not only to protect pedestrians, but also to safeguard their own interests.
Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents
To effectively address the issue of pedestrian accidents, commercial drivers need to understand the factors that contribute to these accidents. Awareness and education play a critical role in improving safety. The most common factors contributing to car accidents involving pedestrians include:
- Intoxication (Pedestrian or Driver): In 2021, nearly half (49%) of pedestrian accidents resulting in fatalities involved intoxication on the part of either the driver, the pedestrian, or both. Pedestrian intoxication accounted for 30% of these accidents, while driver intoxication was a factor in 19%. Alcohol impairs judgment, leading to risky behaviors, such as jaywalking by pedestrians and speeding by drivers.
- Child Pedestrians: The CDC reports that one in every five children under the age of 15 who were killed in car accidents in 2017 were pedestrians.
- Elderly Pedestrians: In the same year, pedestrians aged 65 years or older accounted for nearly 17% of the U.S. population. However, this age group represented 21% of all pedestrian deaths in 2021.
- High Vehicle Speed: Speeding increases the likelihood of colliding with a pedestrian and the severity of resulting injuries.
- Urban Environments: Areas with high pedestrian traffic, such as urban settings, pose an increased risk of pedestrian accidents.
- Nighttime Driving: Reduced visibility at night contributes to a higher likelihood of pedestrian accidents.
Promoting Pedestrian Safety as a Commercial Driver
While work trucks are not solely responsible for pedestrian accidents, they can significantly reduce the risk of harm to pedestrians. Beyond following the rules and regulations that govern commercial driving, drivers should adhere to the following tips to enhance pedestrian safety:
- Avoid Drinking and Driving: Not only is it illegal, but it’s also extremely dangerous to both the driver and pedestrians. Remember that nearly half of all pedestrian accidents involve alcohol.
- Eliminate Distractions: Distracted driving is a growing concern. Stay focused on the road and avoid activities like texting, selecting music, or any action that diverts your attention.
- Adhere to Speed Limits: Speeding increases the likelihood of accidents with pedestrians. Always obey posted speed limits to promote pedestrian safety.
- Exercise Extra Caution: In situations where accidents with pedestrians are more likely, such as school zones, residential areas, urban environments, nighttime driving, and adverse weather conditions, exercise heightened vigilance.
- Respect Crosswalks: Do not pass a vehicle stopped at a crosswalk, as there may be a pedestrian crossing in front of the car that you cannot see.
Remember, as a commercial driver, you are also a pedestrian at times. Committing to pedestrian safety not only protects lives but also prevents the emotional toll of harming a pedestrian in a preventable accident. When everyone in the trucking industry, including fleet management and drivers, commits to pedestrian safety, everyone benefits.
Final Thoughts
Commercial drivers, of all shapes and sizes, have a pivotal role to play in reducing pedestrian accidents. By understanding the causes of such accidents and following best practices for pedestrian safety, the trucking industry can contribute to safer roads for all, protect their interests, and promote a culture of responsibility on the road.
For additional information on pedestrian safety, refer to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Highway Safety Countermeasure Guide.
About the Author
Jason Martinez is a writer specializing in driver safety, frequently producing educational content for drivers, cyclists, and other victims of personal injury incidents. Jason is also a business owner who frequently writes about business strategy and marketing-related topics. In his free time, he collects sports cards of his favorite baseball players and pop culture icons.
