Pedestrians expose themselves to the risk of injury and worse every time they step out into the street. People never know when they might cross paths with unsafe drivers. Technically, pedestrian collisions have been a concern for as long as motor vehicle transportation has existed.
However, researchers warn that pedestrian fatalities have recently reached the highest point in four decades. Those on foot in San Francisco and surrounding communities may be more vulnerable now than they were just a few years ago. What do people who regularly walk on public roads need to know about their safety as a result?
Crash rates are higher
According to crash data from 2022, there are more than 20 pedestrian deaths every day, making it a dangerous time for people to walk. San Francisco took 63rd place on the list of deadliest cities for pedestrians with 1.64 deaths per 100,000 people between 2018 and 2022, which added up to 384 pedestrian deaths during those years.
Pedestrian crashes are preventable
Researchers don’t have a straightforward answer for exactly what caused the surge in pedestrian collisions. There are several factors that likely contribute to this concerning trend. The first is an overall increase in unsafe traffic behavior in recent years.
Researchers have recorded a noticeable uptick in distracted driving, drunk driving and outright unsafe practices, such as completing rolling stops at intersections. The increase in unsafe behavior on the road undoubtedly contributes to the likelihood of a major crash occurring.
Beyond that, vehicle trends likely influenced pedestrian safety as well. People are now more likely to drive large vehicles such as SUVs, crossovers, vans and pickup trucks. Smaller vehicles like sedans have become far less common. Larger vehicles have bigger blind spots. They also generate more momentum, creating greater risk for pedestrians even at lower speeds.
The unfortunate reality is that when pedestrian crashes occur, people on foot have nothing to protect them from the force of impact. The insurance carried by the driver at fault for the crash is likely to be too low to adequately reimburse the injured person.
Injured pedestrians and grieving families may need help holding unsafe drivers accountable. Reviewing insurance coverage and estimating overall losses with a skilled legal team can help those affected by pedestrian collisions determine if a lawsuit might be necessary to address that situation.