Icy Road Conditions and Pedestrian Accidents
Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C.
Crosswalk accidents and other forms of pedestrian accidents, are often caused by driver negligence, such as driving dangerously fast or performing maneuvers without paying attention. Icy road conditions make distracted or negligent drivers even more dangerous and more likely to be involved in pedestrian accidents.
Drivers rightfully feel safer behind the wheel than ever before. Improvements in vehicle safety have helped the number of car accident fatalities drop to its lowest level ever. Anti-lock brakes, vehicle stability assistance, and improved crumple zones have all helped this sense of security in drivers, but in icy conditions, this sense of security can make them less careful, making them more likely to lose control of their vehicle. Unfortunately, most of those technologies do not help pedestrians hit by a car.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 4,378 pedestrians were killed in accidents with motor vehicles in 2009. Drivers have a responsibility to pro-actively look for pedestrians and attempt to avoid them, but in icy conditions this becomes much harder. Drivers must react carefully and early to avoid hitting a pedestrian.
Blowing snow or the brightness of light reflecting off the snow can make it hard for drivers to see. Snow piled up on the sidewalk may force pedestrians to take to the roads, which are often clearer. The combination of pedestrians in unexpected places, difficulty seeing, and difficulty stopping makes pedestrian accidents more likely in icy conditions.
As a pedestrian, there are a few things you can do to reduce your risk of being involved in an accident, including:
- Don’t take unnecessary walks during icy conditions
- Wear light colored or reflective clothing
- Use sidewalks whenever possible
- Always cross at crosswalks
- Carry a flashlight at night
- Wait for the cars approaching the intersection to stop before crossing the street
Drivers can also help to reduce the likelihood of being involved in an accident with a pedestrian. They can:
- Watch for icy conditions
- When in doubt, assume ice is present
- Watch for pedestrians in unusual areas
- Allow extra time for travel
- Drive slowly
Although vehicle safety has improved tremendously over the years, pedestrians and drivers are the most important factor in causing or preventing pedestrian accidents. If you walk and drive with caution, your risk of being involved in an accident is tremendously reduced.
If you or a loved one has suffered serious injury in a pedestrian accident, the experienced Maryland automobile accident attorneys at Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C. can help. Please contact us today for a free initial consultation.
