New AAA Study Says More Bicyclists and Pedestrians are Vulnerable to Hit-and-Run Collisions
If you regularly ride your bike or walk in Philadelphia, New York, or another major urban area, you should know the risks of a serious bicycle accident or pedestrian motor vehicle accident. Do you often stop to consider the likelihood of a hit-and-run accident involving a negligent motorist who decides to leave the scene of the crash? According to a recent article in Consumer Affairs, the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety issued a new report that says hit-and-run deaths have “hit a record high,” and bicyclists and pedestrians are most vulnerable to life-threatening and fatal injuries. If you or a loved one has been involved in a hit-and-run accident, contact a pedestrian accident lawyer immediately to discuss your situation.
Between 2009 and 2016, AAA reports that hit-and-run deaths have risen by 62%. Of all the deadly hit-and-run accidents recorded, “pedestrians and bicyclists accounted for almost 70% of the victims.” While many cities are taking steps to try to reduce the rate of bicycle and pedestrian motor vehicle accidents, the recent data from AAA suggests that cities are not doing enough to prevent deadly collisions. According to David Yang, the executive director of AAA, “hit-and-run crashes in the United States are trending in the wrong direction.” City officials need to recognize the dangers and take action to prevent hit-and-run pedestrian vehicle accidents, as well as to punish motorists who strike a pedestrian or a bicyclist and flee the scene of the accident.
In 2016 alone, there were nearly 2,000 deadly hit-and-run accidents in the country. What does that number mean? According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), that number makes 2016 the “deadliest” year on record since 1975, when NHTSA started amassing data on deadly motor vehicle crashes. In total, hit-and-run accidents account for about 20% of all pedestrian deaths.
Drivers need to make sure they are constantly on the lookout for pedestrians and bicyclists in order to avoid a bicycle or pedestrian vehicle accident. If a collision does occur, it is essential for the motorist to remain at the scene of the accident and call 911. In some hit and run instances, you may be able to seek financial compensation for your injuries. Discuss your case with a pedestrian accident attorney to help determine the proper course of action.
Get the Facts: Elements that Contribute to Hit-and-Run Pedestrian Motor Vehicle Accidents
What are some of the factors that contribute to the likelihood of a hit-and-run crash? While many hit-and-run collisions have the same causes as any other motor vehicle crash, hit-and-run bicycle and pedestrian vehicle accidents are somewhat different because they often clearly point to the driver’s negligence and responsibility for the crash. According to a journal article in Procedia Engineering, the following are common factors that contribute to the likelihood of a hit-and-run accident:
- Following too closely;
- Distraction as a result of using a cell phone;
- Multiple vehicle accident;
- Collision in a city with a large population;
- Crash that occurs on a national highway system;
- Motorist’s failure to yield;
- Motorist driving on the shoulder of a road or highway;
- Darkness or nighttime at the time of the crash; and
- Road with fewer than three lanes.
If you or someone you love was injured by a hit-and-run driver, you should speak with a pedestrian accident lawyer about filing a claim for compensation.
