Any type of traffic accident has the potential to cause serious injuries or even the loss of life, but some, such as pedestrian accidents, can be especially devastating. When pedestrians are hit by vehicles traveling at high speeds, they are particularly likely to sustain an injury or pass away. After all, a pedestrian is especially vulnerable with regard to the impact of a vehicle. If you or a loved one regularly walk or jog alongside the road, it is important for you to be aware of some of the times of day and times of the week when a pedestrian accident may be more likely.
The National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration has provided useful information on pedestrian accidents in 2010. According to the NHTSA, most pedestrians were killed in an accident between 6 PM and 9 PM. Throughout 2010, more than 1,000 pedestrians lost their lives during this time frame, accounting for 24.3 percent of pedestrian fatalities. However, most pedestrian injuries during 2010 took place between the hours of 3 PM and 6 PM. In 2010, 18,000 pedestrians were hurt during this time.
Overall, more than 4,200 pedestrians lost their lives and 70,000 were hurt as a result of accidents during 2010. It appears that walking in the evening hours can be especially dangerous, which may be due to poorer visibility. Moreover, many pedestrians are injured in the late afternoon, which could be partially due to an increase in traffic as people try to drive home. Regardless, the roads can be dangerous at any time of day or night and pedestrians should always be vigilant.