Pedestrian accidents happen in all sorts of ways and we have written about some on this blog. For example, a person may be hit by a vehicle while trying to help a stranded motorist or a pedestrian might be struck by a car while they are trying to cross the street. Sadly, some drivers simply do not pay attention to pedestrians or keep a close watch on the road when they drive, which puts lives at risk. In Indiana, and across the rest of the country, many lives are lost each year due to pedestrian accidents and it is vital for everyone to realize just how widespread these fatal incidents are.

The National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration reports that more than 4,700 people passed away in fatal pedestrian accidents during 2013. To look at these upsetting statistics in another way, a pedestrian's life was lost in an accident each two hours in 2013. Even when pedestrians do not pass away in an accident, they may become injured and face a difficult path forward. Estimates from 2013 show that 66,000 people were hurt in pedestrian accidents during that year alone and the injuries inevitably made life very challenging for many of the victims.

There are ways that drivers can reduce the chances of a pedestrian accident, such as paying close attention to crosswalks, sidewalks, and any sign of someone walking on or near the road. Unfortunately, these fatal accidents will keep occurring and the families of pedestrians who have lost their lives should seek justice.