Call Now For A Free Consultation 812-590-2213

Blog

Why are streets inherently dangerous for pedestrians?

Posted by Kenneth Doane | Jun 15, 2018 | 0 Comments

When you think about pedestrian hazards in Indiana, you probably think of the vehicles, and the drivers controlling them. Distracted, drunk or aggressive drivers all play their part in pedestrian deaths each year. However, some of the fault for fatal accidents rests in the hands of the professionals who designed the roadways.

AARP explains that engineers often focus on the flow of vehicle traffic without giving a thought for whether the area is high in pedestrian traffic, as well. So, they design the roads with multiple wide lanes that accommodate a large number of vehicles and allow those vehicles to travel quickly. To add to your danger, engineers often fail to include crosswalks and sidewalks.

Drivers may be excited to learn that the speed limit has increased on their favorite route. If you are walking along that route, though, your chances of a fatal injury in an accident increase rapidly. When a car traveling at 20 mph strikes a pedestrian, there is a 6 percent chance of death. Add just 10 mph, the risk increases by three times. If you are hit by a vehicle moving at 45 mph, you have a 65 percent chance of being killed in the collision.

Even when the speed limit on a route hasn't been raised, the design of the road can encourage excessive speed. In addition to ensuring road safety features for pedestrians, cities should employ adequate law enforcement to strictly enforce the speed limits. This information is provided for educational purposes, and should not be interpreted as legal advice.

About the Author

Kenneth Doane

Ken is an experienced personal injury attorney and practices in southern Indiana and the metro Louisville area. Ken and his team handle every aspect of his clients' cases from pre-suit settlement negotiations through jury trial and appeal, if necessary. He has practiced for over 22 years and has ...

Comments

There are no comments for this post. Be the first and Add your Comment below.

Leave a Comment

Driving Directions To Our Office

From I-65 North across the Lincoln Bridge to Exit 0, go left at foot of exit ramp, through the stop light and drive directly into Water Tower Square.

Follow I-65 South toward Louisville. Take Exit 1 to merge onto US-31 S toward Stansifer Ave./10th St. Continue on US-31 S. Use the middle lane to take the ramp to 10th St./Court Ave. Turn right on Court Ave. into Water Tower Square.

From US 31 North across the Second Street Bridge to Court Avenue. At the bottom of the ramp turn left into Water Tower Square.

Menu