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Texas is third highest in the nation for pedestrian accidents

Each year an estimated 43,000 people die in motor vehicle-related crashes. While pedestrian fatalities due to motor vehicles declined overall between 1997 and 2006, urban areas like Houston still accounted for the majority of all pedestrian fatalities.
Accidents involving pedestrians being struck by a single vehicle still account for more than 90 percent of pedestrian deaths.

Texas Has Third Highest Number of Pedestrian Accidents
According to the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA), four states with the largest populations—California, Florida, New York, and Texas—accounted for 41 percent of the nation’s pedestrian fatalities. Pedestrian accidents are especially likely to occur in large urban areas, where pedestrians and vehicles share the roadways.

More recent data released by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) shows that in 2009 Texas had the third highest rate of accidents involving pedestrians. And pedestrians ages 45 to 64 were more likely than any other age group to be killed in an accident.

The majority of fatal pedestrian accidents occur between 3a.m. and 6a.m., when conditions are dark and pedestrians are harder to see. Additionally, pedestrians are more likely to be hit and killed on weekends.

Areas with higher speed limits are especially likely to have pedestrian accident fatalities. Every one in five pedestrians that dies in a motor vehicle-related crash is killed in a hit-and-run crash with a motor vehicle.

Houston is a Deadly Place for Pedestrians
States with larger populations have higher rates of pedestrian deaths, especially in urban areas. The top 5 cities for pedestrian deaths are as follows:

1. New York
2. Los Angeles
3. Chicago
4. Phoenix
5. Houston

Although pedestrian fatalities account for only 12 percent of all motor vehicle crash fatalities, research shows that pedestrian crashes are more likely to occur in Texas than in most other states, especially in populated areas like Dallas, Houston, San Antonio, and Austin.

Distracted Driving & Distracted Walking
Distracted drivers are a danger to themselves, other motorists, and pedestrians. Texting while driving is much like driving with a blood alcohol concentration of .08 percent, impairing the driver and slowing his or her reaction time.

But pedestrians have also fallen victim to distractions. In major metropolitan areas, accidents have occurred with pedestrians unable to hear oncoming cars because they are listening to music or talking on the phone. Texting and walking has also been blamed for some pedestrian accidents.

Whether you are driving or walking, remember it’s always best to Just Put It Down. For more information on distracted driving and distracted walking, visit www.justputitdown.com and take the Pledge to end your own distractions.

If you are a pedestrian who was injured by the negligence of a driver, or if your loved one was injured by the negligence of a driver, call the experienced pedestrian accident injury attorneys at Van Wey Law today at (214) 329-1350 or (800) 489-5082 to learn more about your legal rights.

Don't hesitate to contact Kay Van Wey at (800)489-5082 for a free, no obligation consultation.

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